Bison Women’s Soccer Comes Up Short Against Franciscan
Sept. 14 – BETHANY, W.Va. – The Bethany women's soccer team was defeated 2-1 by Franciscan on Monday night at Bison Stadium.
The Bison (2-3) defense was the story early as sophomore goalie Taylor Sasak (Berea, Ohio/Berea) and her backline were able to fend off multiple attacks from the Barons (1-3). Sasak recorded five saves in the half and received some major help, as sophomore defender Andrea Precurato (Austintown, Ohio/Austintown Fitch) and sophomore forward Michaela Hinerman (Weirton, W. Va.) each stopped a potential goal to preserve the tie.
After a delay due to a Franciscan injury, the Barons quickly responded with a goal in the 35th minute. Sophomore Anna McCarty capitalized with a header off a corner kick from teammate Elizabeth Krilich. Franciscan would take a 1-0 lead into intermission.
The Barons carried their momentum into the second half as sophomore Clare Kennedy beat Sasak to give the Barons a 2-0 advantage.
The Bison showed their resiliency and continued to attack throughout the second half. They were finally rewarded when junior Brittany Fullbright (Wadsworth, Ohio/Wadsworth) powered one home past Franciscan goalie Sarah Luebking in the 89th minute. Two Bison assisted on the play as Madison Cochran (Grafton, W.Va./Grafton) crossed the ball into the box and Marena Cline (Follansbee, W. Va./Brooke) had a touch pass to set up Fullbright.
Franciscan, however, was able to consistently limit the Bison's offensive attack as they made it hard for Bethany to generate solid opportunities. Junior Julie Slezak (Latrobe, Pa./Greater Latrobe) led the offense for the Green & White with three shots.
The Bison will return to the pitch on Friday, September 18 when they travel to Altoona, Pa. take on Penn State - Altoona at 7:00 p.m.
