Saint Mary's falls to Olivet, 3-0
By SARAH RYNKOWSKI
Sports Writer
The Saint Mary's soccer team was unable to make any of its shots on goal Sunday, losing at Olivet College 3-0.
"It was definitely a learning experience," head coach Jason Milligan said. "In losing games, you are able to address certain things you don't see when you're winning. We found several to focus on."
Olivet's first goal came on a corner kick knocked in by Laura Fiorino. The second was scored by Olivet's Tricia McNortea. Olivet's third and final goal was scored by Jamilla Faraj after a corner kick as both teams fought for possession of the ball.
"It was not a good game for us," freshman midfielder Heather Muth said. "We came out really flat. We picked up, but it was too little, too late."
Throughout the game, Saint Mary's struggled to adapt to Olivet's playing style.
"We took ourselves out of the game," Muth said. "They weren't more skilled than we were by any means. We tried to dribble when we needed to do more passing and crossing."
The Belles had a total of 16 shots on goal but were unable to capitalize on any of their attempts.
"It was a different kind of field," freshman Molly O'Shea said. "The ball bounced a lot."
O'Shea traveled with the team but did not play due to a leg injury.
Co-captain Katy Barger and Mary Campe led the Belles with four shots each, while co-captain Erin McCabe and Laura Paulen contributed two. Muth, Tia Kappahahn and
Lynn Taylor also had shots.
"We didn't create much offense," Muth admitted.
Saint Mary's lost to Olivet last year 5-1.
"[They had] a different style of playing," Milligan said. "We haven't played against teams that have been as physical as they were."
The Belles are now 1-2-1 in MIAA conference play and 7-2-2 on the season. The Belles gave up the least number of goals in the conference, with only nine so far this season.
Goalie Brie Gershick made a total of 12 saves in Sunday's game.
"I think we came off the field a better team than we were [before]," Milligan said.
Saint Mary's next game is at home on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
The Belles will host Calvin College, which is ranked second in the conference. Calvin is 4-1-0 in MIAA play, and 8-4-0 for the season.
"It's time for our determination to turn into success," Cara Dunbar said.
All Sports Stories for Tuesday, October 12, 1999
