Box Score Rangers Grab First Win in Thriller
Box Score
MADISON, N.J. (September 17, 2011) – Drew (1-5) held on to win, 3-2 over DeSales (1-5) this afternoon in a physical match at Ranger Stadium. Sophomore Katie O'Keefe (Shamong, N.J./Seneca) scored two goals and assisted on the game-winner to lead the Ranger offense.
The freshman O'Keefe was instant offense for the Rangers in the first half, scoring the first two goals of the game. O'Keefe was the recipient of two great crosses, the first one from senior Emily Weida (Lancaster, Pa./Lancaster Country Day) at the 16 minute mark. The Rangers added to their lead when O'Keefe was able to tap in a Christine Meconi (Brooklyn, N.Y./Midwood) centering pass for her third goal of the year.
The beginning of the second half was highlighted by the first DeSales goal off a penalty kick just four minutes in. Ranger defender Sara Storer (Sicklersville, N.J./Timber Creek) was called for a foul in the box and was automatically issued a red card. Bulldogs midfielder Haley Vollmer converted the penalty kick to make the score 2-1.
The Rangers, now playing a man down for the majority of the second half, saw the momentum shift in the Bulldog direction. DeSales fired 11 second half shots in the direction of the Ranger net compared to just five by Drew.
In the 74th minute O'Keefe wreaked havoc on the Bulldog defense again by winning a cross between her and the goalkeeper to have the ball trickle to the feet of Weida for the final Drew goal.
The Bulldogs responded a little over two minutes later when Christina Pietrobon delivered a great through ball to sophomore Brady Walsh to pull DeSales within a goal. The Ranger defense held strong and did not allow a single shot over the final 13 minutes of play to secure the first victory of the season.
Junior Jeramie Barletta (Madison, N.J./Madison) was solid in net for the Rangers, making five saves to earn her first win of her career.
The Rangers are back in action on Tuesday when they welcome in Manahattanville for a non-conference tilt. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. at Rangers Stadium.
