HAMBURG, N.Y. – A dominant first-half performance and a memorable Senior Night celebration helped the Hilbert College women's soccer team secure its place in the AMCC postseason Tuesday evening, defeating Pitt.-Bradford 4-2 at Hawk Field. The victory improved the Hawks to 3-4 in conference play while clinching a berth in the upcoming AMCC playoffs.
Prior to kickoff, Hilbert honored seniors Keria McFarland, Michaela Olson, and Evin Stauffer for their dedication and contributions to the program. The Hawks responded with one of their most complete performances of the season, scoring three first-half goals and never allowing the Panthers back into the contest.
Hilbert struck first in the ninth minute when Valentine Hauser finished a feed from Novalee Schlenker to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead. Just minutes later, Evin Stauffer found the back of the net off an assist from Ja'Lynn Sanders, doubling the advantage in the 14th minute.
The Hawks continued to press the attack, and Stauffer delivered again in the 24th minute. Sanders recorded her second assist of the night, setting up Stauffer's second goal and extending Hilbert's lead to 3-0 before halftime.
Any hopes of a Pitt.-Bradford comeback were quickly erased after the break. Just 44 seconds into the second half, Acadia Evans converted a pass from Hauser to make it 4-0 and cap the Hawks' scoring for the evening.
The Panthers got on the board in the 67th minute on a penalty kick before adding a goal in the 81st minute, but Hilbert's defense and goalkeeping efforts were enough to preserve the victory.
Evin Stauffer led the offensive charge with two goals on five shots, while Hauser finished with a goal and an assist. Sanders added a pair of assists, and Evans contributed a goal as Hilbert outshot Pitt.-Bradford 17-15.
In goal, Keira McFarland made five saves in 79 minutes of action before Anastasia Gavette entered late and recorded a save of her own.
Up Next
The Hawks celebrated both accomplishments of their senior class and the opportunity to continue their season in the AMCC Tournament coming up on Saturday, Oct 31 @2:30pm.
