The Collegian

Issue date: 9/18/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Annie Douglass Jessica Menzhuber '09 (center) pushes past a defender. She picked up an assist against Vanderbilt.

The Saint Mary's women's soccer team competed in the Vanderbilt Tournament this past weekend and the Gaels lost 1-0 to UAB and defeated host Vanderbilt 3-2 in overtime.

The Gaels had a strong first half performance as they attacked early and often.

In the first 15 minutes, the Gaels had an opportunity to score, winning two corner kicks, capping off with a shot off the post from sophomore Jessica Menzhuber.

UAB's defense held tight, as the Gaels managed another shot barrage in the 33rd minute, but all three were blocked.

UAB escaped the first half and capitalized almost immediately in the second half, scoring within three minutes of kick-off on a shot within the penalty box that soared over freshman goalkeeper Cari Makino's head. The goal was the first shot the Blazers had on target.

Makino kept the Gaels in the match, making six saves to keep UAB at one. But the Saint Mary's offense couldn't score as they managed three more shots on goal. The shutout was the fourth for the Blazers in five games.

Saint Mary's came out firing against Vanderbilt as sophomore Allie Weiner took her own deflected shot and punched it past Vanderbilt goalie Rachel Bachtel.

The Commodores came right back and placed a goal past sophomore Tara Larson. Forty seconds later, the Gaels pushed back with another goal, this time by freshman Mercede Koning.

The Gaels took a 2-1 into the half. Midway into the second half, Vanderbilt tied the game at two. This sent the game to overtime.

Freshman Alex Ciliento ended the game three mintues into overtime to give the Gaels the win.

With the split, Saint Mary's is now 2-2-2 and will meet Sacramento State and Valparaiso this week.

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