Albany, NY—The Sage Colleges' women's soccer team opened the 2018 season on Friday evening as the guests facing the Panthers of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The Gators collected a 2-1 come from behind win to earn the season opening victory.
The Panthers scored first as senior Katie Benson (Clifton Park, NY/Shenendehowa) added the first goal of the match at the 9:41 mark of a direct kick as the Sage keeper misplayed the ball. Sage tied the match as senior Joleen Marfone (Remsen, NY/Remsen) scored on a feed from junior midfielder Maegan Villa (Rock Tavern, NY/Washingtonville) at the 33:06 mark.
Tied at 1-1 to open the second half, Sage's senior forward Samantha Trimblett (Monroe, NY/Monroe-Woodbury) scored the game-winner on a pass from Villa at 48:10. Trimblett is currently No. 3 all-time with her 37 career goals, while standing third as well in career points with 94 on 37 goals and 20 assists. Marfone moved into a tie for 12th in career points as she has 46 (16 goals and 14 assist) and is tied with Ashley Allain (2007-2009) with 46 points. After Friday's game-winner, Trimblett continues to add to her resume as she boasts 11 career game-winners.
Sage's rookie goalie Natalie Tidings made the start in goal for Sage, making 1 save in 45 minutes of work with one goal allowed. Fellow rookie Mickaela Buzzy (Oneonta, NY/Oneonta) made the start to open the second half and earned the win with her 45 minutes of action in the second half of play. ACPHS's sophomore Gabriella Evangelista (Warwick, NY/Warwick) took the loss with two goals allowed in 90 minutes of work with nine saves.
The Gators are back in action on September 2 hosting Castleton at 2 p.m. at ACP's Field.
