Credit: GR Productions
Pirates Fall in Heartbreaker on Senior Day, 1-0
Published: Sunday, October 20, 2024
by Kyle Ferreira
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J – The Seton Hall Pirates (4-9-3) were unable to find the back of the net vs Big East foe Butler (8-4-3) on Sunday afternoon. On a special day honoring their seniors, the Pirates could not capitalize on their scoring opportunities but played aggressive defense throughout the 90 minutes.
Early on, it was clear to see that Pirates star Natalie Tavana was going to attack. The senior midfielder entered the match with 19 career goals and wanted to make her special day an even greater one. Tavana hustled to every ball and was a scary sight for the opposing Butler players.
But it wasn’t only Tavana playing well; the backline and senior goalkeeper Anna Prawer held down the fort repeatedly. Prawer’s two saves against six Bulldogs shots in the first half was a major difference-maker in the matchup. Unfortunately, the Pirates could not make the most of their seven shots in the first half.
The Pirates' best chances to capture the lead came with five minutes remaining in the first half. Forward Megan Twomey, defender Rachel Gerrie and Tavana all had terrific chances to convert, but to no avail. After the first half, it was a scoreless match with both teams looking for better results in the next 45.
One issue that head coach Josh Osit looked to resolve was the number of offside calls the Pirates were issued. They had three chances waived off, while the Bulldogs had none. At halftime, a change in the net came for the Pirates, with Avery Strohecker replacing Prawer, in the common substitution for the second half of matches.
The second 45 was a back-and-forth affair between both programs. Twomey, Tavana, and midfielder Phoebe Hampson had their moments to help their squad, but none were enough to get on the board. No matter if it were on free kicks or corner kicks, the Pirates couldn’t tally up the scoreboard.
A major reason for Butler denying the Pirates from getting on the board was their redshirt junior goalkeeper, Anna Pierce. Pierce was always in the right place at the right time, eventually ending the match with eight saves.
In the 81st minute, freshman Olivia Beauvois had a terrific chance to score, but Pierce attacked the ball and prevented the opportunity. Minutes later, Butler’s Amelie Darey would head a goal in off a corner kick to make it 1-0. The score would stand until the final whistle blew, as the Bulldogs earned another win in conference play.
It was a tough result on Sunday, which saw numerous offside calls (8) and fouls (7) against the Pirates. However, the Pirates remain determined and focused on each task at hand, as the Big East Tournament is slowly approaching. After Sunday’s match, the Pirates will battle Creighton, UConn, and Marquette to wrap up the regular season.
The aforementioned Creighton match will be Thursday evening at home, live at 6 PM on WSOU.net. Miguel Freire and Jackson Shank will be on the call for that match.
Kyle Ferreira can be reached at kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu.Posted in: sports,