Nov. 10, 2007

Box Score

POMONA, NJ - Two first half goals led the Virginia Wesleyan women's soccer team to a 2-0 shutout of Johns Hopkins in the NCAA Tournament First Round on Saturday. The Blue Jays (14-5-2) had a nine game unbeaten streak snapped with the loss to conclude the season. It is the second straight year, Virginia Wesleyan has ended the Blue Jays' season.

Hopkins had a golden opportunity with 35 minutes to go in the first half as senior Kim Lane (Hazlet, NJ/Raritan) hit a shot that was headed for just inside the near post. Marlins goalie Lindsey Williams was just able to get a hand on it and punch it away.

Virginia Wesleyan got on the scoreboard in the 24th minute as Laura Jackson took a pass from Jen Colwell and fired it home from 25 yards out. That goal snapped a 568 minute shutout streak by the Blue Jay defense.

The Marlins extended their lead in the 41st minute as Nikki Mazzoccone took a pass from Blaze Byrd and Sam Tyner and knocked it home for the 2-0 advantage.

Virginia Wesleyan held a 3-2 advantage in shots at the half.

Hopkins controlled a large part of the play in the second half but the Blue Jays were unable to put the ball in the net.The two teams ended the game with five shots apiece.

Sophomore Karen Guszkowski (Sayreville, NJ/Cardinal McCarrick) made two saves in net for the Blue Jays. Williams posted five saves in the victory for the Marlins.

The Blue Jays graduate four seniors including Lane but return four of their top five scorers next season.