Women's Soccer- Seton Hall vs Marist RECAP

Date: August 23, 2014

Seton Hall women's soccer reflected what their coach said he wanted the program to accomplish in his first season – set standards. The Pirates have set a high bar for themselves, that's for sure.

Using an early goal from junior D'Yonna Riley in the 23rd minute, The Hall used its stifling defense en route to a season opener 2-0 shutout win over Marist in first-year head coach Rick Stainton's debut.

"This win's not about me or the coaches, this is about the players," Stainton said. "The final result is a showing of the hard work that they've done to get to this point. And I couldn't be prouder."

The Pirates' midfield controlled much of the possession going on, as the blue and white found some early opportunities. Nine minutes in, Frankie Maier stepped up from the midfield with a good look, but Marist goalkeeper Andrea Wicksa vacuumed the ball up. Junior Amanda Gulli showed off why the coaches had such high words for her in the preseason with a strike in the 16th, but the ball flew wide of the net. Little did Wicks know that Gulli's activity was a foreshadowing.

Seven minutes later, with the ball trapped near the Marist box, the Red Foxes' lost control with a miscommunication near the net. Gulli slid in cleanly and picked up the ball. From there, it was just a matter of finishing before Riley had her first goal as

"D'Yonna's goal was a result of what this team does well – apply pressure," Stainton said. The goal also gave Gulli her first career assist.

The first half featured strong play from Melissa Blevins. The junior, who tallied 17 starts for the Pirates last season, anchored a back line that stifled the Red Foxes. All-MAAC Preseason Team player Amanda Epstein tried to even the match in the 29th minute with a long-range shot but the ball sailed high.

In the second half, Stainton used a versatile bench as sophomore Sarah Cortes and freshman Katie Landes came on with strong efforts. Pressure continued to be too much for Marist to handle defensively, and The Hall found a cushion to its lead in the 74th. Wicks had trouble handling a through ball to Cortes, resulting in an own goal. The Red Foxes nearly broke up the shutout with just minutes left when senior Jamie Strumwasser drilled a shot that went off the post.

Making her first start since 2012, junior Gina Maiorana stayed sharp in goal, delivering her fifth shutout of her career.

"To get this win is a reward," said senior Angie Shehaj. "Coach Stainton has brought so much to this program and it's great to have the hard work pay off."

The Pirates will appear at Owen T. Carroll Field for their home opener on Monday at 7 p.m. against MAAC favorite Rider. The Broncs, who return 15 letterwinners, are picked to finish fifth out of 11 in the MAAC Preseason Poll.

89.5 WSOU will have complete coverage from South Orange.

To reach John Fanta, e-mail john.fanta@student.shu.eduand tweet @John_Fanta or @WSOUSports.

 

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