DeGroff Drives Devils' Win over Crusaders
PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- After letting a key South Division game slip away against Mount Greylock on Wednesday, the Drury girls' soccer team never let up in its game against Saint Joseph's on Thursday, scoring three times in the first half on its way to a 4-0 win on the road.Junior Chelsea DeGroff had a big day for a Blue Devils offense that outshot the Crusaders 28-5. DeGroff got the hosts on the board in the 15th minute of play, finishing off a pass from senior Mariah Ferrara. She then set up sophomore Cori Ghidotti for her team-leading ninth goal of the season 13 minutes later, and Drury (5-5-3) struck the dagger 30 seconds after that when sophomore Alyssa Marceau scored her first goal of the year off another assist from Ferrara.
"The girls were hungry to get back on the winning side of things and came out with a great deal of pressure," Blue Devils head coach Molly Meczywor said. "We maintained possession for a majority of the game. Cori, Mariah and Chelsea moved the ball beautifully and were able to find opportunities to score."
The Drury defense, which gave up three goals in the second half to lose 3-2 to the Mounties the day before, responded nicely with a stout effort against St. Joe's (4-9-2). Junior Amanda Ramsdell was a big help from the stopper position, while classmate Ali Tatro made five saves in net to earn her sixth shutout of the season. DeGroff, meanwhile, put the finishing touches on the win by scoring off a beautiful feed from Ghidotti in the 55th minute.
"Our defense was tough, stopping any offense from St. Joe's," Meczywor said." Danielle Racette, Makenzie Bona and Morgan Lamarre worked very well and created offense for us in transition. Everyone who was able to play contributed to this win and two JV players, Kasha Wissman and Cece Lawson, were able to see time as well."
Kendall Smith made 24 saves in net for the Crusaders. The Blue Devils next host Mount Everett at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday.