Aug. 29, 2008

Box Score

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MORAGA, Calif--A 25-yard shot off the foot of Danielle Spann sent Saint Mary's (2-0-0) to a 2-1 overtime victory over Saint Joseph's (0-1-0) in the 14th Cal Women's Soccer Invitational at Saint Mary's Stadium on Friday evening. Freshman Jen Pfeiffer's second half goal tied the game and was the first of her career for the Hawks' in their season opener.

Less than five minutes into the overtime period, SMC went on the attack, pressuring SJU's midfield. After a failed clearance, Spann received a loose ball unmarked and ripped a shot into the upper left hand corner of the goal for the Gaels' triumph.

The Hawks started off a bit sluggish, as SMC controlled the play of the game. Nevertheless, after 20 minutes the game was still scoreless and SJU started to hold possession of the ball and create chances. One such chance was when Lauren Sawyer broke free on the right wing, crossed it in to Sarah O'Malley, who got a head on it, but the shot was saved.

Saint Joseph's had a mental slip at the end of the first half when a shot by Alex Ciliento was saved by goalkeeper Megan Bastianelli (four saves), caromed off the crossbar to the foot of Ashley Nied, who put the ball away for a tally with 12 seconds remaining.

SJU wasted no time responding, forcing the attack forward and creating chances once again. A defensive miscue led to Sawyer gaining possession of the ball on the left wing and attacking the net. Sawyer passed the ball in front of the net to Pfieffer who equalized the game just 5:54 into the second stanza.

The Hawks wasted a few other chances in the second half, including another O'Malley shot off a crossing effort, which went high from just 10 yards out.

As the game progressed, the 90-degree heat started to get to Saint Joseph's and the pace of the game slowed down. The game went into overtime after a late gasp by SMC was saved by Bastianelli.

The Gaels out-shot Saint Joseph's 15-11, but the Hawks had a 5-4 edge in the second half. SJU also held serve with six corner kicks to SMC's three.

Saint Joseph's will travel to Berkeley to take on the University of California on Sunday, game time is slated for 4:30 p.m.