Garnet Stop Widener Rally Shortt
Midfielder Niamh Shortt '06 scored four goals, including the game-winner, as Swarthmore withstood a furious comeback to down Widener University 10-9 on Tuesday afternoon at breezy Clothier Field.
Swarthmore had taken a 9-5 lead following a goal by midfielder Megan Speare '05 at the 14:58 mark. The Garnet went into cruise control, and the Pioneer seized the momentum.
Allison Glavin, Alexis Brook, and Tricia Lynch combined for four consecutive goals for Widener in a little over three minutes, bringing the game to a 9-9 tie with 9:11 remaining.
The Garnet retained possession in their attack zone and began to run their offense. Megan Sanborn '08 got a step on her defender and raced towards the right side of the cage. A Pioneer defended rolled over to help her beaten teammate, leaving Shortt alone behind the net. The junior took a pass from Sanborn and scampered around the back of the cage, creating a one-on-one opportunity with Widener goalie Brianna Tarry. Shortt acted quickly, firing the ball over the left shoulder of Tarry to give the Garnet a 10-9 lead.
The Swarthmore defense and goalie Susannah Blair '08 stood tall against a trio of Pioneer offensive possessions, the most memorable being a kick save by Blair on a low shot headed for the right post.
The Garnet took possession with just over three minutes to go and strung together a host of passes to keep the ball away from the Pioneers to their fifth win of the season.
Shortt led Swarthmore (5-2) with four goals, giving her seven in the last two contests. Freshman Rachel Jordan collected a hat-trick of her own, her second of the season, while Lindsay Roth '06, Ele Forbes '05, and Meagan Speare '05 each added goals for the Garnet.
Blair made ten saves in goal for Swarthmore, while Tarry made 15 stops for Widener (4-2).
Lynch led the Pioneers with three goals and an assist, with Glavin and Krasley added two goals apiece. Lauren Gloane contributed a goal and four assists from her attack position.
Swarthmore will resume their Centennial Conference schedule on March 31st when they host Washington (Md.) College in a 7:00 p.m. contest.