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Liberty University
2-3-2
George Washington
3-6
Blocker Records 200th Save in Lady Flames Win
9/23/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Overcoming rainy and humid conditions in the nation's capital, the Liberty women's soccer team (2-3-2) garnered its second win of the season defeating George (4-5) Washington, Friday at Mount Vernon Field, 2-1.
Goalkeeper Karen Blocker achieved a personal milestone in the contest, recording her 200th career save. The Bowie, Md., native posted seven saves on the afternoon, tying her with former teammate Ashley Nyholt (2007-10) for third on Liberty's all-time career saves list with 204.
Forwards Lauren Stell and Geena Swentik led the Liberty attack with one goal apiece, while Silvia Betancourt added an assist. Swentik's goal was the first of the freshman's collegiate career.
The Lady Flames struck early in the first half, lighting up the scoreboard in the sixth minute to take a 1-0 advantage. Betancourt was credited with the helper, finding an open Stell, who finished on the play for her inaugural goal of the season.
George Washington secured the equalizer just over 10 minutes later. During a Colonial corner kick, Molly Bruh launched a pass to the team's leading scorer Sierra Smidinger. The forward immediately fired a shot at the Liberty net for the tying goal.
Each team had solid looks at goal in the remainder of the period, but was unable to pull ahead, giving way to the 1-1 stalemate at halftime.
Liberty outshot George Washington in the first half, 10-8, while the Colonials held the advantage in corner kicks, 4-0.
Much like the opening stanza, the Lady Flames produced a scored quickly in the second half. Swentik notched the eventual game-winner in the 55th minute, netting an unassisted goal to put Liberty ahead.
The Colonials outshot Liberty 11-2 in the remainder of the contest, but could not garner a second equalizer, thanks to the Lady Flames' defense.
Blocker recorded her 200th career save in the 68th minute, thwarting a shot attempt by George Washington's Adriana Moya.
The Colonials continued to fire upon the Lady Flames net down the stretch, but the Liberty defense stood its ground, hanging on for the 2-1 final.
George Washington outshot the Lady Flames, 19-14, and held an 8-0 advantage in corner kicks.
Blocker played in net for Liberty the entire 90 minutes. Along with her milestone, the redshirt junior has not allowed more than one goal in each of the last six contests. Lindsey Rowe occupied the Colonials' net for the duration of the contest, finishing with five saves.
The Lady Flames remain in the nation's capital on Sunday, taking on MEAC member Howard. Game time is slated for 4 p.m.
Team Stats
STELL, Lauren
Assisted By: BETANCOURT, Silvia
GOAL by LIBERTY STELL, Lauren (FIRST GOAL), Assist by BETANCOURT, Silvia.
5:04
SMIDINGER, Sierra (4)
Assisted By: BRUH, Molly
Shot right off of corner pass.
15:16
SWENTIK, Geena
GOAL by LIBERTY SWENTIK, Geena.
54:42
