Demoner nets double, but
Ravens fail to capitalize on 21-4 shot advantage
RINDGE, N.H. (September 19, 2007) – Franklin Pierce
University, ranked 17th in this week's National Soccer
Coaches' Association of America (NSCAA)/adidas Division II
poll, was unable to capitalize on a 21-4 shots advantage as it was
held to a 2-2 double-overtime draw with Stonehill College in
Northeast-10 Conference women's soccer action at Sodexho
Field this afternoon.
Senior goalkeeper Alex Eckhardt (Marshfield, Mass./Marshfield)
turned in a strong performance for Stonehill, making ten saves,
including four over the two overtime periods to preserve the
deadlock. Classmates Lauren Boyd (Sandwich, Mass./Sandwich) and
Meghan O'Brien (Stow, Mass./Nashoba) each collected goals for
the Skyhawks.
Senior All-American Gabriela Demoner (Curitiba,
Brazil) scored both Franklin Pierce goals, including the
equalizer with just 6:18 to play in regulation. She took a pass
from classmate Thatiane Preisler (Curitiba,
Brazil) and fired a shot from the top of the six from the
left channel past Eckhardt.
Franklin Pierce nearly ended the match in the first minute of
overtime off a corner kick, but Eckhardt made two point-blank stops
on Ravens freshman Kelly Weygand (Bridgewater,
Mass./Bridgewater-Raynham) and sophomore Rachel
Smith (Chichester, N.H./Bible Baptist School (Pa.)).
Eckhardt also stopped a drive from Demoner from the top of the 18
in the 109th minute on Franklin Pierce's final shot of the
match.
Demoner opened the scoring in the 13th minute when she took a quick
pass from freshman Angelika Johansson (Falkenberg,
Sweden) and slotted a low shot into the lower right corner
just inside the penalty area.
Stonehill equalized in the 21st minute as Boyd took a pass from
midfield by sophomore Erin Bazinet (Charlton, Mass./Shepherd Hill
Regional) and lofted a shot past the charging effort of Franklin
Pierce junior goalkeeper Brittany Ester (Toms River,
N.J./Toms River East). The Skyhawks gained a 2-1 advantage
just 2:49 into the second half when O'Brien fired a free kick
into the upper left corner of the net from 22-yards out in the
right channel.
Franklin Pierce (5-1-2, 3-1-2 NE-10) is back in action on Saturday
when it hosts Pace University for a Conference clash as part of
“Rocky the Raven Fun Day for Kids and Community” at 1
p.m. The event, part of NCAA Division II's Community
Engagement Program, is targeted for children 12 & under and
families in the Monadnock Region. The event will offer giveaways to
the first 100 children ages 12 and under, including t-shirts and
miniature soccer balls to be signed by the Ravens at the conclusion
of their match.
Ravens mascot “Rocky” will be on hand, with a
“carnival” style program to begin at noon that day and
continue through halftime of the soccer match that will include
skill competitions, face painting and inflatables. A youth
recreational soccer game will also be presented at halftime of the
Franklin Pierce match.
Admission for the event and soccer match is free. In recognition of
the University's 45th Anniversary, hot dogs, hamburgers and
soda will be available for 45-cents each, with all proceeds to be
donated to the Student Athlete Advisory Committee's (SAAC)
“Make a Wish Foundation” program.
Stonehill (2-3-1, 2-1-1 NE-10) visits Southern Connecticut State
University on Saturday at 7 p.m.
