Bobcats Tame Lynx at Home
The Paul Smith's College men's and women's soccer teams both earned victories on Saturday in their first league matchups of the season. The visiting NHTI Lynx found the Bobcats to be too much on the pitch and left the Paul Smith's College soccer field with their collective tail between their legs.
The first game of the day saw the Paul Smith's College women's soccer team double up the visitors. Samantha Severing (Livingston Manor, NY) got the scoring started on a rebound from Hayleigh Gates (West Winfield, NY). Within minutes, Katrien Roefs (Bainbridge, NY) rattled a long distance shot off the crossbar, just inches from making it 2-0. The Bobcats would finally get their brace early in the 2nd half as Severing would repay the favor, assisting on a goal from Gates in the 65th minute.
Anna Thrasher (Leonia, NJ) would come up with some big saves in the 2nd half, earning an 8-save shutout. When asked about the game and the season so far, Thrasher said "I couldn't be happier with the way my team played on Saturday. It definitely set the pace for the league and intention for our season. This win sends the message to our competitors that Paul Smith's College is ready to make another run."
Coach Bailey Walton was complimentary toward Thrasher and the team for their performance. "It was a hard-fought battle for both teams. Anna Thrasher was a standout for us, with a big shutout in our first league game." NHTI had gone the previous 3 games scoring 18 goals, so the shutout result on Saturday was extra impressive. Walton continued, "I was incredibly proud of our entire defense for such a strong performance. Keeley VanValKenburgh and our entire defensive line including Abby (Abigail Bateman), Maddy Jackson, Jamey Roy, and Haven Bradt all played phenomenally."
The men's soccer team fared even better on the scoresheet on Saturday, collecting an impressive 5 goals from 5 different players against NHTI in a game that showcased the Bobcats' versatility.
Noel Diaz (Silver Spring, MD) got the scoring started on a PK when he was taken down inside the box off a direct kick. He slotted it perfectly in the bottom left corner of the frame to put the Bobcats up 1-0 in the 19th minute. Adam Holt (Spencerport, NY) would make it 2-0 on an impressive chip over the goalie from 35 yards out after stripping the Lynx defense of the ball in their half. Derek Burns (Bloomville, NY) made it 3-0 on a perfectly placed corner from Dalton Tenorio (Crestview, FL) right at the end up the 1st half. The Lynx would get one back in the 67th minute, but Nick Grover (Batavia, NY) continued his impressive freshman campaign with his 5th goal of the season, assisted by Savien Richards (Pittsford, NY). Foster Hutchins (Enosburg Falls, VT) would finish the scoring at 5-1 in the 79th minute, with an assist going to Grover.
Both teams head to league rival Central Maine CC on Saturday. Kickoff for the women's game is at 11am, followed by the men's game at 1pm. Both games will be livestreamed through the Mustangs athletics website.