Sharks Fall to Suffolk, 1-0 in GNAC Semifinal

SOMERVILLE, Mass. -- No. 7 seed Simmons Soccer fell to the No. 6 Suffolk University Rams, 1-0 in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) semifinal battle on Tuesday evening at Dilbody Stadium in Somerville.

SOMERVILLE, Mass. -- No. 7 seed Simmons Soccer fell to the No. 6 Suffolk University Rams, 1-0 in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) semifinal battle on Tuesday evening at Dilbody Stadium in Somerville.

The Sharks had plenty of opportunities all night as they put out 28 shots in total in the contest but were unable to find the back of the net. After a scoreless first half, where the Sharks outshot the Rams 11-3, Taylor Miranda broke in all alone on Sharks' sophomore goalkeeper Briana Hayes (Manorville, N.Y.) and had her initial shot stopped. After the rebound came loose, Miranda was able to jar it free putting home her fifth game-winning goal of the year and second of the playoffs.

Simmons senior Kristyn Heuslein (Manchester, N.H.) and sophomore Greer Gilbert (Falmouth, Mass.) led the offensive charge for the Sharks as they each recorded three shots on goal in the contest. 

The Sharks kept Suffolk goalkeeper Melissa Brouillette busy in the second half as they put 10 shots on frame in the period. Brouillette made several impressive saves, including three in a ninety second frame midway through the half.

Despite holding a 28-7 overall edge in shots in the game, Simmons was unable to convert as the Rams advance to the GNAC finals on Saturday. Hayes made six saves in the loss, while Brouillette recorded 16 saves for the win. The loss ends the Sharks season at an 8-10-1 mark.