The performance of Hayley Baker '19 was crucial in Elmira's midweek non-conference victory over Keuka College on April 6th. The freshmen stepped up to carry the offensive load after the Empire 8 Conference's leading scorer, senior Moorea Spoljaric '16, was benched in the first half after receiving a pair of yellow cards. Baker netted the game's first goal only 32 seconds into the first half.
Without Spoljaric, the 5-foot-9 attacker scored back-to-back goals to end a 3-0 Keuka run that brought the Wolfpack within a goal at 6-5 early in the second half. Her unanswered tallies put the Soaring Eagles up 8-5. Baker also earned an assist on EC's final goal, scored by Kara Yakel '16.
In Elmira's last two outings, the Braintree, MA, native has seen both her confidence and role in the offensive zone increase. Baker has a combined seven goals and nine points in EC's wins over Keuka and New England College, including a career-high four goals versus the Pilgrims. She also netted the game winner in both contests. On the season, Baker is second on the team with 16 goals and 22 points.
Baker and the Elmira women will return to action on Saturday, April 16th, with a road trip to Empire 8 foe St. John Fisher College, beginning at 12:00 p.m.
