The Monmouth University women’s soccer team kicked off Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play on Saturday Sept. 21 with a 3-1 win over rival Saint Peter’s University. This win makes them undefeated in conference play so far (1-0-0) and improved their overall record to 3-2-2.
Monmouth found the scoreboard quickly thanks to a goal by fifth year forward Madie Gibson in the eighth minute of the match. Gibson’s second goal of the season was assisted by senior midfielder Lexie Palladino.
Saint Peter’s replied with their own goal in the 24th minute of the match to make the score 1-1. The lone score for the home team was executed by sophomore forward Julianna Murrill who sent a shot past her defender from 30 yards out, sending the ball into the top left corner of the goal just out of reach of Monmouth’s senior goalkeeper Amanda Knaub.
Murrill’s goal was the first in five games for the Saint Peter’s Peacocks, and her first of the 2019 season.
The score would remain tied 1-1 until the second half of the game when the Hawks scored their second goal. Just minutes out of the locker room senior forward Dana Scheriff scored her second goal of the season with an assist by Gibson. Gibson sent the ball into the penalty area and Scheriff made the goal with a left-footed shot into the far side to put the Hawks back in the lead.
Gibson’s assist to Scheriff increased her career total to 29, which makes her second in program history behind Christie Pearce Rampone who had 54 career assists.
In the 74th minute of the second half, Monmouth scored their third and final goal which would win them the match 3-1. Scheriff assisted Palladino in scoring her second goal of the season, and her 13th career goal.
“It was great to get another win on the road coming off of our win from Texas,” said Palladino. “It was great to secure our first conference win and we’re all excited to play at home again this weekend!”
“A win in our conference opener was our focus and I’m glad we accomplished it,” said Head Coach Krissy Turner.
Although the Hawks came away from this match with yet another win, it did put an end to Knaub’s scoreless streak. Before Saint Peter’s lone goal Knaub had not allowed a ball to pass her in net for a total of 330 minutes and 29 seconds.
The Hawks had an edge with 32 shots on goal compared to the Peacocks two. Monmouth leads the all-time series against Saint Peter’s 25-0-0.
“We understood the challenge that comes with playing the conference champions and we gave a good account of ourselves,” said Saint Peter’s Head Coach Melissa Sherwood. “The biggest positive of today was that we got on the scoreboard and showed a top attitude to respond to going a goal behind.”
After a four-game road trip for the Hawks, they will be returning home to play Marist at Hesse Field on The Great Lawn on Saturday, Sept. 28. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m. and will be aired on ESPN3. Prior to the game the Hawks will be hosting an alumni reception beginning at 4:00 p.m. in Wilson Hall.
PHOTO COURTESY of Monmouth Athletics
