Correll scores twice in 2-1 win at Lafayette
EASTON, Pa. - Freshman Grace Correll recorded her first-career multi-goal game in a big spot, providing all the scoring Lehigh women's soccer's would need in a 2-1 win at archrival Lafayette on Wednesday evening. The defense took care of the rest, allowing only six shots and just three shots on goal the entire game. With the victory, the Mountain Hawks snap a three-game losing streak against the Leopards while improving to 4-2-2 overall and 2-0-1 in Patriot League play.
"We felt that we had a pretty good game plan," said Lehigh head coach Eric Lambinus. "We thought some of the things we do well would match up well against them. We were able to get the ball behind them, get the ball wide and be dangerous in those spots. We had a couple lulls, but it's to be expected this week with four o'clock exams and just the nature of the rivalry game. But we're really excited with the way we played."
The Mountain Hawks took the play to Lafayette from the get-go, creating several quality scoring chances. In the 11th minute, senior Darby Wiegand unleashed Lehigh's first shot, taking a centering feed from senior Danielle Salans, but Lafayette goalie Danielle Sedillo made an impressive save.
Lehigh continued to pressure, creating two more shots and a second corner kick, which eventually led to a 1-0 lead. Near midfield, junior Paige Elliott played the ball into the left side of the box where Salans made a touch to Correll. The Bay Head, New Jersey native fired a lefty shot into the upper-right corner of the net to open the scoring at 22:27.
Senior Ashley Blanks made her first save of the evening in the 27th minute, Lafayette's only shot on goal sent her way in the first half.
Lehigh continued to generate chances early in the second half, including an opportunity from Correll in the 58th minute. Wiegand sprung in the freshman alone on goal, but Sedillo came out strong to make the save.
Sedillo couldn't stop Correll's next shot in the 77th minute as freshman Amanda Stratton took a free kick and Correll headed it beautifully into the open net for a 2-0 advantage at 76:14.
"Grace has been knocking on the door for the last couple games," said Lambinus. "She's such a threat. She works hard, she gets in behind and gives us that threat. We're really proud of the way she's playing. She's battling and doing everything we ask. I think she's going to continue having a good season."
Lafayette answered 7:31 later as the Mountain Hawks couldn't clear the zone and the ball found Jaclyn Giordano, who fired a shot past Blanks to pull within 2-1.
Lehigh didn't allow a shot the rest of the game, wrapping up the 2-1 victory.
"We're disappointed to give up our shutout streak (which reached 330:47), but it's something we can definitely work on," said Lambinus. "I like how we reacted after the goal. Our defense is playing really well. Honestly, we were just shocked to give up that type of a chance because I don't think we've given up that many great chances from inside the 18. It was a bounce that went the wrong way and went right to their player. The defense has been unbelievable, keeping everything in front of them. We're really proud of our back line, and goalkeepers as well."
Final shots were 10-6 in favor of the Mountain Hawks while Lehigh held an 8-1 edge in corner kicks. Blanks made two saves across Sedillo who had four.
Lehigh will return to action in just three days when the Mountain Hawks host the Boston University Terriers on Saturday at 4 p.m.
"They're Patriot League Champions," said Lambinus. "I still think they're the best team in the league and the road goes through them. They won last year, so it's a pretty big game for us. We've won games so far and have done well, but this is when we really see where we are and how we match up against a team that's won championships, played in the NCAA Tournament and won in the NCAA Tournament."
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