Women’s soccer beats Georgetown

ZACH HORRALL | STAFF REPORTER

The Butler University women’s soccer team handed Georgetown University their first conference loss of the season, defeating the Hoyas 1-0 at home on Oct. 11.

caption: twitter.com/@butlerwsoccer “I thought we did a really good job of performing the gameplan as we set out,” assistant coach Robert Klatte said. “We knew that we’d have to sort of pressure a bit and take our chances on a counter, and I thought we were organized. The backline did a fantastic job preventing them from getting behind us.” The two teams came into the game rather even. Butler came into the game 9-5-1 on the season, 2-2 in the Big East. Georgetown entered 8-4 on the season, 3-0 in the Big East. The Bulldogs took an early advantage in minute 6 with a goal from junior midfielder Serina Kashimoto. Kashimoto’s shot from the right hit the crossbar and was deflected in. She was assisted by freshman forward Halle Stelbasky and freshman midfielder Jamison Midgley on the shot. Kashimoto wouldn’t take credit for her goal. “ It was just lucky,” she said. “Halle made a really nice trail, and I hit it a little, and it even touched the defender.” The remainder of the first half showed Butler with a slight advantage over Georgetown. Butler lead the first half in shots with four, while Georgetown had three. Butler also had three shots on goal, and Georgetown had zero. Each team had six fouls in the first half. After halftime, the game continued as it did in the first half. the Bulldogs had a slight advantage over the Hoyas, riding momentum thanks to their early goal. Georgetown started scrambling and picking up the pace of the game as the second half began to expire. Georgetown was never able to score a goal and give themselves a chance at the victory, and Butler picked up their tenth win of the season. “We knew Georgetown was a very strong side, especially with their record,” said Paige Monaghan, a freshman forward who had a very strong defensive showing for the Bulldogs. “So we knew we had to drop defensively with their opportunities going forward. I think the defense today played great. I think their strive and desire to clear the balls out was inspiring to most of us.” “It was a really strong [game],” said senior midfielder Sophia Maccagnone. “Our whole team played well. Our defense, and Shannon [McDevitt], really anchored that backline and she really kept it strong.” Georgetown’s shot numbers increased in the second half. They picked up nine more, bringing them to a game total of 12. Butler added five shots in the second half to give them nine for the game. Senior forward Crystal Thomas and freshman forward Caitlin Farrell led the way for Georgetown with three shots each. Thomas also had one of two shots on goal for the team. Sophomore midfielder Rachel Corboz had the other, as well as two shots. For Butler, Stelbasky, by a large margin, led the way statistically for the Bulldogs. She accumulated six of the team’s nine shots, as well as four of their six shots on goal. She also had one assist. Butler’s sophomore goalkeeper Madison Card had just two saves in the game, both coming in the second half. Meanwhile, Georgetown goalkeeper and grad student Emma Newins had five saves; two in the first period and three in the second period.  “It was a great game,” Maccagnone said.”Georgetown is an amazing opponent. We’ve always had to battle against them the past few years. So coming out today, we knew it was a huge win. They are atop the rankings, so obviously that win pushes us up, but overall, it boosts our team morale.” “It’s important,” Monaghan said. “Everyone is good, especially moving up in the rankings now. Beating Georgetown, being a very good side, is exciting for us.”

caption: twitter.com/@butlerwsoccer

Kashimoto said she is feeling really good about where the team is headed into their off week, and is looking forward to resting up.

“I am happy that we have a week off and can focus on studying a little bit, and I think we’re riding a good wave [of momentum] going forward,” she explained through a translator.

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