Women's soccer starts undefeated

The women's soccer team has started off this year in dominant fashion, winning their first three games and outscoring their opponents by a combined score of 11-0.

The Jays have built on their successes last season, when they finished very strong, and they have shut out their opponents this season in route to a 3-0 record. Going into Wednesday's contest against Messiah, the Jays had gone 593 minutes without allowing a goal.

In their season opener, an away game, Hopkins handily defeated Goucher by a score of 6-0. The Jays got off to a great start by virtue of a goal by sophomore midfielder Sandra Lebo, who put Hopkins ahead in just the seventh minute of the game. Sophomore midfielder Jenn Sciarpelletti scored in the 36th minute to increase the Jays' lead to 2-0. Sophomore forward Jessica Sapienza added two goals for good measure late in the game to widen the Blue Jay lead. In addition, senior midfielder Jill Minger set a single-game record by recording three assists. The Jays went on to win by a final score of 6-0.

"I think we have a stronger midfield than in past years. A lot of different people have gotten goals and assists. We've had very strong all-around team efforts," said Minger.

In their next contest, Hopkins again went on the road, this time to take on St. Mary's College. The result was once again a shutout by the Blue Jays. Four different players scored in route to the Blue Jays' second straight shut out. Blue Jays' players were satisfied by the team's strong effort.

"I think we've done very well so far. We played really well against St. Mary's and they are a very strong team," said Minger.

In the victory, Sciarpelletti once again proved to be a huge factor as she scored her team's first goal in the 27th minute off an assist by junior defender Laura Bauer. Senior defender Lauren Hanlon added her first goal of the season later to put the Jays up 2-0.

Minger and Sapienza both added goals later in the game to increase the Blue Jay lead to the eventual final score of 4-0.

The win marked the Blue Jays' second straight shutout. Senior goalkeeper Shannon O'Malley needed to make just two saves to preserve the shut out as Hopkins out shot St. Mary's 19-7.

Clearly, the Blue Jays were reliant on their strong defense once again.

"We have two defenders and one goalie who have all been playing since freshman year. Defense is our biggest strength," said Minger.

The Blue Jays' next game, however, was a much closer contest. In New York City to take on New York University, the Jays were unable to score during regulation, but a strong defense prevented NYU from scoring so the game went into overtime.

Hopkins junior midfielder Erinn Sosa scored to break the tie in overtime and secured the victory for the Blue Jays.

Following last night's contest in which the Blue Jays hosted Messiah, the Blue Jays will travel to Roanoke, Va. to compete in the Roanoke Invitational, which will begin on Saturday.