Pride Blanks Mason

by Brian Bohl

October 23, 2012

Sophomore Sam Scolarici scored in the 48th minute for the only goal and junior Emily Morphitis turned aside all five shots on net for the clean sheet as Hofstra defeated George Mason, 1-0, in a Colonial Athletic Association matchup on Friday night at Hofstra Soccer Stadium.

Hofstra won for the sixth time in the last seven games, improving to 9-5 overall and 5-1 against the conference. Mason fell to 5-9-1 and 1-4-1.

Scolarici, who scored five goals through the first five games, netted her first scoring strike since Sept. 2 when she scored near the left post at 47:10. Coming out of the halftime break, Hofstra sent in a cross that Mason goalkeeper Lyndse Hokanson could not field cleanly. Scolarici, who was active all game in firing a three shots, capitalized with the goal that proved to the be the difference.

Scolarici (Aldie, Va.) scored her sixth goal of the season and her first game-winner. Morphitis (London, England) made the support stand up, making three of her total saves in the second half for her fourth individual shutout of the season. The Pride now has five total shutouts with Morphitis and Lucy Gillett (Rockville Centre, N.Y.) combing on the other versus Georgia State.

Sophomore Lulu Echeverry (East Meadow, N.Y.) was credited with the assist on the goal. She finished with one shot. Scolarici is now tied with Echeverry and freshman Jill Mulholland (Levittown, N.Y.) for second on the team with six goals.

Freshman Leah Galton (Harrogate, England), who has a team-high seven goals, provided constant pressure against the Patriots, firing a game-high seven shots (three on-goal).

Hofstra played stellar defense in front of the net as the Pride held a 21-10 shot advantage. Senior defender Brooke Bendernagel (Smithtown, N.Y.) provided one of the best defensive plays of the game with a strong tackle in the 25th minute to rob Mason's Kelly Pizzingrilli of a chance to shoot against an open net.

In all, Hofstra did not allow Mason a single corner-kick opportunity. The Pride also had a chance to expand the lead in the 60th minute when Galton raced through for a breakaway and blasted a hard shot that Hokanson blocked with a diving stop to her left to keep Hofstra's lead to a single goal. Hokanson posted seven saves.

Hofstra improved to 6-0 at home this season. At Hofstra Soccer Stadium, the Pride is out-scoring opponents, 15-2.

The Pride will next be in action on Sunday with a 1 p.m. contest against CAA rival Delaware at James M. Shuart Stadium.