Box Score LA VERNE, CA: Junior Danika Bethune's two goals gave Pomona-Pitzer all the offense it would need in a decisive 3-1 victory over La Verne in Wednesday's Night SCIAC action.
The Sagehens (5-4, 3-2 SCIAC) did not waste much time continuing their offensive hot streak from last week as Bethune (pictured) beat the La Verne keeper on a breakaway only 15 minutes into the match to open up the scoring. While the Leopards (5-3-1, 3-2 SCIAC) would tie it back up in the 42nd minute with a beautifully placed chip shot in the top left corner, it was the Sagehens that would provide the only offense the rest of the way. Bethune restored the lead in the 49th by blasting in a header by Sophomore Molly Mosher off Junior Agueda Dudley-Berrios' corner while Junior Katie Tao gave the coup de grace in the 56th minute via a beautifully buried free kick that beat the Leopard keeper.
Pomona-Pitzer saw strong defensive performances from Junior Goalkeeper Corey Goelz as well as Junior Defender Nadia Alaiyan and Senior Natalie Barbaresi that limited La Verne to only three shots on goal the entire match. Junior Alyssa Kim continued to build upon her success from last week (Kim totaled seven points in two matches) by playing an integral role at the midfield position throughout the match.
The win gave the Sagehens their third straight victory while propelling them into a tie for second place in the SCIAC. Bethune also extended her point-streak to three consecutive games and currently sits tied for first in the SCIAC in points (17) while also moving into a tie for second place in goals (7). Goelz's continues to build upon a great junior campaign as the current SCIAC leaderboards see her tied for first in Goals Against (3) while having sole possession of second place in Goals Against Average (.67).
"The most important thing for us tonight was just that we finished well" said Head Coach Jen Scanlon. "We didn't have many opportunities on the offensive end but managed to score some great goals created by excellent dynamic play and a great free kick from Katie Tao. I was happy we had the ability to play a lot of players tonight as our depth is definitely one of the key strengths of our team this year. It's nice when you can put different players on the field and they can sustain the level of play and do a good job for us."
The Sagehens will look to add to its winning streak on Saturday as they take on Cal Lutheran at Pomona-Pitzer Soccer Field at 4pm. All coverage for the match can be found on the Pomona-Pitzer Athletics Website.
