Albany, NY — The Sage Colleges' women's soccer team hosted the Cardinals of St. John Fisher College in an Empire 8 match on Saturday afternoon. The Cardinals collected a 1-0 win to improve to 6-6-3 overall and 3-0-3 in the league, while the loss puts Sage at 7-9 overall and 2-4 in the conference.
The two teams played to a scoreless first half before rookie forward Megan Letta (Rochester, NY/Hilton) had a shot off the right side and Sage's rookie keeper Kallan Shertzer (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) made the initial stop, only to have Letta pick up the rebound and send it past her for the game-winner at the 56:00. The goal was the fourth of season for Letta and second game-winner this year.
Sage had a chance in the final minutes as senior Kristin Silk (Freehold, NY/Greenville) headed the ball, but SJFC's keeper, sophomore Gabriella D'Ambrosio (Rochester, NY/Churchville-Chili) saved the ball and the win for her team. D'Ambrosio finished with seven saves and stands at 3-2 this season. Shertzer added two saves and drops to 7-9 this fall.
Prior to the game Sage honored their trio of seniors, Silk, Maegan Villa (Marlboro, NY/Washingtonville) and Giovanna Fichera (Cornwall, NY/Cornwall Central). On their careers, they have left their mark for the Gators having excelled in the classroom and on the pitch. Villa boasts 12 career assists and ranks in a tie for the No. 10 spot on the Gator career assist list. She is now No. 5 in career games played with 71, while her 65 career starts is now tied for 5th as well. Silk has played in 63 career soccer matches, while Fichera has played in 67 games (tied for 12th), while adding 17 career points in four season.
The Gators will be back in action on October 29 at Keene State University for a 6 p.m. non-conference match. St. John Fisher College travels to Nazareth in an Empire 8 match on November 2 at noon.