Colorado College takes battle of the Tigers

by Dave Reed

September 14, 2012

Colorado College turned in its most impressive performance of the 2012 season, defeating the University of Pacific, 3-0, on Friday afternoon at Stewart Field.

Junior midfielder Madison Whitehead struck for the only goal CC would need in the fifth minute, putting a direct free kick in the net off the goalkeeper’s hands at the right post.

The Colorado College defense took care of the rest, posting its third consecutive shutout and fifth of the season. The Tigers now have played 302:40 at home since allowing a goal during the second half of their 2-2 tie with the University of Utah on Aug. 30.

Freshman goalkeeper Kate Scheele made five saves en route to her third shutout of the season. Her diving stop on sophomore defender Liz Higashino’s crossing shot from 15 yards with just over 10 minutes remaining in the first half kept UOP from knotting the score.

Then, with just 25 seconds remaining in the first half, CC doubled its lead when junior forward Lynn Froetscher found the net for the second time this season. Sophomore midfielder Kaeli Vandersluis put a header off the crossbar, but the rebound went directly to Froetscher who was unmarked at the right post.

Pacific had an opportunity with just over 35 minutes to play in the second half when junior forward Maricela Padilla intercepted a pass at the top of the box, but junior defender Sierra Keeler blocked her shot from 15 yards away.

Vanderluis added an insurance goal in the 71st minute when she worked herself free at the top of the box and drilled a shot off the crossbar from 16 yards out on the right side.

Junior goalkeeper Tashia Long made one save for Pacific during the first half, while freshman Kathrine Larsen stopped a pair of shots in the final 45 minutes.

Colorado College finished with a 21-13 advantage in total shots and an 8-3 edge in corner kicks.

CC improved to 4-1-3 overall and 3-0-2 at home. Pacific dropped to 1-6-0.

The Tigers resume action on Sunday, playing host to Colgate University in the final non-conference game of the 2012 campaign.