HAMILTON – Last night, the Syracuse women’s soccer team was beaten in every category except the one that matters – the final score.

Despite a lack of offensive production, SU found a way to win, 2-1, against Colgate to end a four-game winless streak. The Orangewomen were outshot, 18-17, and barely controlled the ball in the second half.

Kelly Bailie was the only SU player to score, putting in a Maureen Tohidi pass that went through the legs of forward Shana Thomas. The goal gave SU a 1-0 lead with 17:15 left in the first half.

The other SU goal was scored by Colgate five minutes into the second half when a cross bounced off Colgate defender Kellen Kroll and into the goal. The goal ended up being the game winner.

After it scored in its own goal, Colgate (10-7-0, 4-1 Patriot League) controlled the tempo. The ball barely crossed into Colgate territory as SU tried to hold on for its first win since Oct. 6.

‘It is a little nerve-wracking when they are in our end,’ SU defender Brooke DeRosa said. ‘But when that happens, we need to pull together and relax.’

SU (9-6-1, 2-2-1 Big East) relied on strong defense to pull out the win. Colgate had many opportunities on the Syracuse goal, but the defensive efforts of Bailie and DeRosa and the outstanding goalkeeping by third-string goalie Jenelle Ferri propelled SU. Ferri made six saves in her first career start.

‘It was a high-pressure game and they were trying their best to get in and get a shot.’ Bailie said.

While Colgate’s pressure led to shots, the Raiders scored only once. Their lone score was with 30 minutes left in the second half. A kick into the SU goal box knocked off the side poll and Colgate’s Kate Barrett kicked in the rebound. The goal was Barrett’s 17th, breaking Colgate’s single-season goal record.

The Orangewomen wanted to avoid another close loss. On Oct. 3 they lost to Rutgers in the final seconds of double overtime and also lost to Dartmouth in double overtime Oct. 15.

‘The one thing about our team is we learn lessons from previous experiences.’ Tohidi said.

Despite the win, some SU players want to see improvement for Saturday’s game against Big East rival Connecticut.

‘Tonight, we had little areas of the game where we could of communicated better.’ Bailie said. ‘There’s definitely room for improvement in some areas.’

Said DeRosa: ‘Sometimes there was little or no communication.’

Even with the negative aspects, Syracuse will still take the win.

‘After the run of luck we’ve been having, it’s nice to get back and win a game.’ Bailie said.

And after the win, the Orangewomen’s minds shifted directly to UConn.

‘In order to get the ball rolling for UConn, we needed to win tonight.’ Tohidi said. ‘This win puts us into a good mentality for UConn.’

Published on October 22, 2003 at 12:00 pm