Gophers Surrender Only One Goal in Loss to Knights

ASTON, Pa. — After having what was supposed to be its season opener back on Tuesday postponed, Goucher finally took the field this afternoon against Neumann. The Knights, who had one game under their belts, downed head coach Megan Williams' Gophers, 1-0.

The Gophers (0-1) looked to strike early in the game as Lizzie Barminksi (Ventura, Calif./Buena), Annie Carter (Ann Arbor, Mich./Saline), and Rachel Crain (Charlotte Hall, Md./Chopticon) all tested Neumann goalie Becca Wallace with shots in the opening eight minutes.

Wallace made two more saves midway through the first half, and then as halftime was approaching, the visiting Gophers were awarded a penalty corner. The period ended, however, scoreless.

Goucher's defense allowed only two shots in the first half, both late in the period. Demie Huffman (Granville, Ohio/Granville) needed to make only one save to keep the Knights (1-1) off the scoreboard.

The Gophers had even fewer scoring opportunities in the second half and didn't even attempt a shot until less than five minutes remained.

The only goal of the contest was scored nearly 13 minutes into the second half by Jessica Harrell. Just seconds earlier, Huffman had turned away a shot by Megan Shumate for one of her six second-half saves.

Like the beginning of the game, the Gophers had opportunities late. In the final five minutes, they recorded three shots on goal but couldn't push one through. On top of that, Goucher had five penalty corners during that time period.

The Gophers open up the home portion of their 2015 schedule on Sunday when they welcome Virginia Wesleyan to Beldon Field. Start time is at 1:00 p.m.