Women's Soccer Hosts VMI in 2014 Home Opener, Visits Robert Morris
8/27/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
The Youngstown State women's soccer team gears up for another busy week hosting VMI in the 2014 home opener, Friday, Aug. 29, at Farmers National Bank Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. The Penguins also visit Robert Morris, Sunday, Aug. 31, at 3 p.m.
Last Time Out
The Penguins (0-2) dropped two hard-fought matches last weekend at the TD Bank Classic to New Hampshire, 1-0, and Vermont, 3-2, in overtime. Senior Jackie Podolsky tallied a career-high 11 saves against New Hampshire, while senior Brittany Tenis and sophomore Kathy Baquero each scored their first career goals against Vermont.
About VMI
VMI (Virginia Military Institute) enters the game with a 1-0 overall record after defeating Howard, 2-1, on Aug. 22. Allie Segura and Emma Quirk each scored goals for the Keydets and goalkeepery Sydnie Bligh posted six saves.
The VMI Series
This is the third meeting between Youngstown State and VMI and the series is tied at 1-1. The Penguins defeated VMI, 3-1, in 2011 and lost, 2-0, in 2005.
About Robert Morris
Robert Morris enters the week with a 1-1 record after defeating Duquesne, 3-2, on Aug. 22 and falling to Akron, 2-1, on Aug. 24. Kristie Hamilton leads the Colonials with five points on two goals and an assist while Antonia Grese also has two goals.
The Robert Morris Series
This is the 19th meeting between Youngstown State and Robert Morris. The Colonials own an 11-6-1 advantage in the all-time series, but the Penguins have won four of the last five. The last five games have all been decided by one goal. Last season, Robert Morris defeated the Penguins, 1-0. The four previous years Youngstown State was victorious, 3-2 (2012), 1-0 in overtime (2011), 3-2 (2010) and 2-1 in overtime (2009).
Baquero, Tenis Named to All-Tournament Team
Sophomore Kathy Baquero and senior Brittany Tenis were named to the TD Bank Classic last week after each scored their first career goal. Tenis converted a penalty kick to give the Penguins a 1-0 lead over Vermont. Baquero extended the lead to 2-0 with her first score.
Riese's Pieces
Junior Macey Riese collected her first career point against Vermont on Sunday. Riese was credited with an assist on Kathy Baquero's goal that gave YSU a 2-0 lead over the Catamounts.
Podolsky Collects Career High
Senior goalkeeper Jackie Podolsky recorded a career-high 11 saves in a 1-0 loss to New Hampshire on Aug. 22. On the season, Podolsky has 14 saves, which ranks second in the Horizon League. She now has 128 career saves and needs seven more to move into eight place on the YSU all-time saves list.
Picked Sixth in Horizon League
The Penguins were picked to finish sixth in the Horizon League in a poll conducted by the league's head coaches. The Penguins received 25 total points. Milwaukee was predicted to win the league championship with 62 points and six first-place votes. The Panthers were followed by Oakland (51 points), Wright State (50), Detroit (46), Valparaiso (39). Following the Penguins were Cleveland State (24), Green Bay (15) and UIC (12).
Chelsey Lately
Senior Chelsey Haney was the Penguins leading scorer last season with eight points on three goals and two assists. Haney, who has eight career goals in just two seasons, ranks tied for ninth all-time with 21 career points and tied for ninth in goals scored.
Up Next
The Penguins host a pair of games at Farmers National Bank Field next week. The Penguins take on Malone, Friday, Sept. 5, at 6 p.m. before entertaining Big Ten foe Purdue, Sunday, Sept. 7, at Noon.
