Devils' score 1st ever victory over Cortland
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Women's soccer
CORTLAND, N.Y. -- Goals by senior Lauren Heilweil (Binghamton/Chenango Forks) and junior Julie LaPolla (Penfield) supported the shutout goalkeeping of freshman Meaghan Meszaros (Selden/Newfield) in Fredonia State's 2-0 SUNYAC women's soccer victory Friday over the Cortland Red Dragons.
Fredonia State improved to 8-4-1 overall and 3-1-0 in the SUNYAC while Cortland fell to 8-2-1 overall and 2-1-1 in the conference. In addition, it was the Blue Devils' first-ever victory over the Red Dragons, who lead the all-time series with 11-1, with three ties.
The teams only combined for eight shots in the opening half with neither squad generating a quality scoring chance. The Blue Devils, however, took just 35 seconds to score in the second half. Sophomore Emily Beh (Penfield) crossed the ball into the box from the right side, and Heilweil one-timed a 15-yard shot over Cortland junior goalie Pam Monnier (East Northport/Northport) for her team-high ninth goal of the season.
The Red Dragons had two bids to tie the game in the 54th and 56th minutes. Freshman Brittni Lionarons (Averill Park) had a header in tight deflected by Meszaros over the end line, then followed with a shot from the right side that Meszaros saved and knocked out of play.
Fredonia State added an insurance goal in the 66th minute when LaPolla scored on a shot that deflected off a Cortland defender and inside the left post after a scramble in front.
Cortland pressured in the closing 15 minutes of the game, but its best scoring chance was denied with 45 seconds remaining when Meszaros made a sliding save on an open look in front by sophomore Bridgette DeSantis' (Schenectady/Mohonasen).
Monnier made two saves for the Red Dragons, who out shot the Blue Devils, 18-10, in the game, and Meszaros registered seven saves for Fredonia State, including six in the second half.
Fredonia State, alone in third place in the SUNYAC, moves on to Oswego for a 1 p.m. Saturday kickoff. The Lakers are 2-2-0 in the conference and currently in sixth place.