Lancaster, PA- On Tuesday, Lancaster Bible College's women's soccer team battled for ninety minutes but in the end came up short in a hard fought game to the Gothic Knights of New Jersey City University 4-3.
The Chargers were led by two goals from sophomore Becka Hixson (Coopersburg, PA) and Meredith Wrightson (Silver Springs, MD) added her second goal of the year. However, New Jersey City proved to be too much as Jennifer Albuja (Union City, NJ) recorded a hat trick and Nicole Sarica (Linden, NJ) scored the first goal of her collegiate career.
The Chargers took the lead early when freshman Kristina Clairmont (Dublin, PA) placed a through ball that Hixson was able to loft into the back of the net only 9:13 into the game. The Gothic Knights answered back with a goal and the half finished knotted at one goal a piece. The Gothic Knights would add two more and LBC was in jeopardy of getting blown out as New Jersey peppered shots on goal. Kirsten Shoemaker (Cochranville, PA) made some phenomenal saves to keep the score close. The Chargers late game surge produced a breakaway goal by Wrightson's goal 83:14, but Albuja answered immediately to get back the two goal cushion. Hixson's second goal (85:47) off a misplayed corner kick revived the hope and the Chargers had two great opportunities in the closing minutes but could not finish the comeback.
When asked about the game Coach Heather Gale was very pleased with her team's never give up attitude. Coach specifically pointed out the play of goalie Kirsten Shoemaker. Shoemaker recorded 10 saves and was under constant pressure as NJCU offense generated 32 shots.
The women's soccer team returns to action Saturday September 6th against Mt. Aloysius in Cresson, PA.
