MELBOURNE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern University women's soccer team gained their seventh consecutive victory as well as three crucial points in the Sunshine State Conference standings, defeating Florida Tech on the road Wednesday night at Rick Stottler Field, 3-2.
The Sharks (10-2-0, 3-1-0 SSC) had an early goal in each half to move ahead of the homestanding Panthers (7-4-1, 3-3-0 SSC), and held on late to match the second-longest win streak in program history, only behind eight in a row won in 2006. In addition, their 10-2 mark is tied for the best start to a season all-time, also achieved by the '06 team.
The first Shark score came just 8:27 into the game on yet another successful Gestido-to-Lelii connection. Off a corner,
Samantha Gestido (Sr., Hialeah, Fla.) regained the conference lead with her eighth assist of the season, as
Sierra Lelii (R-Sr., Seminole, Fla.) came through in the box, extending the league's best mark with her 15th goal of the year and a quick NSU lead.
That slim margin held through intermission, but was extended only 2:36 into the second. This time, it was
Sarah Keville (Sr., Vero Beach, Fla.) capitalizing off a Panther turnover to put it in and push the Sharks back out by two. FIT was able cut into the advantage with 24 minutes to go when Ciera Misner converted a successful penalty kick, making it 2-1.
Answering again was Lelii, as she had a breakaway about seven minutes later and was able to push it past, statistically, one of the best goalkeepers in the conference, Julia Kantor. Kantor came into the match with a goals-against average of 0.62, and the three goals scored on her Wednesday night were the most by any opponent this season.
That score became vital when the Panthers' Mary Watson pushed one in with just over 10 minutes remaining to once again make it a one-goal game. But the Shark defense tightened, allowing only one more FIT attempt (not on goal) as part of another great team defensive effort.
In addition to the back line, goalkeeper
Amanda Kopale (R-Jr., Cape Coral, Fla.) had an excellent showing against an aggressive FIT offense, coming up with nine saves (her second-highest on the season) on 17 shots. All told, the Panthers would end up outshooting NSU by 10 attempts on the night.
The milestones weren't limited to the team Wednesday. In addition to being the game-winner, Lelii's 16th score set a new program record for single-season goals, eclipsing the 15 tallied by Shurell Burton from 2006. Career-wise, Lelii has now equaled the 31 goals scored by Mandi Adams to tie for second place all-time, behind only Burton's 40.
The Sharks next look to match the program's longest win streak, but have a tough test on the horizon Saturday at home against No. 16 and 9-3 Rollins. It will be NSU's Senior Night, with 12 members of the team to be honored prior to the 7 p.m. kickoff.
