Posted: Sep 08, 2013
CASTLETON, Vt. -- Simmons Soccer fell 1-0 to the Skidmore Thoroughbreds in the championship game of the 2013 Rutland Herald Invitational at Castleton on Sunday afternoon. The Sharks fall to 1-2-0 with the loss.
Skidmore took the lead when Christine Bellotti netted her second goal of the tournament to give the Thoroughbreds a 1-0 advantage in the first half. The midfielder lined up a corner kick and bent it from the right flagstick into the side netting on the far post past Simmons goalkeepr Briana Hayes (Manorville, N.Y.).
In the waning seconds of the first half, Skidmore threatened again. Kelly O'Donnell had a one-on-one opportunity to increase the Thoroughbreds' advantage, but Simmons Hayes came up big, denying the chance with a huge save and clearance to maintain the 1-0 score into halftime.
In the second half, Skidmore controlled possession for the majority of the frame and dictated an uptempo pace that challenged the Simmons defensive unit. Despite a 3-2 advantage on corner kicks, the Sharks were unable to convert.
Simmons goalkeeper Briana Hayes was named to the All-Tournament Team for her efforts on the weekend, along with sophomore defender, Issy Verrilli (Naugautak, Conn.).
All-Tournament Team
Mallory Costello – F, So., Castleton
Jessica Binkowski – GK, Fr. , Castleton
Tayla Andrews – F, Sr., UMB
Brittany Castillo – D, Sr., UMB
Briana Hayes – GK, So., Simmons
Issy Verilli – D, So., Simmons
Christine Bellotti – F, Sr., Skidmore
Morgan Governale – M, Jr., Skidmore
Kelsey Russell – D, Sr., Skidmore (MVP)