Score: Houghton College 2, Elmira College 0
Records: Houghton (5-7-1, 2-3-1 E8), Elmira (1-11-1, 0-4-1 E8)
Location: Burke Field – Houghton, N.Y.
 
HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- In a pivotal Empire 8 Conference match under the lights at Houghton College's Burke Field, it would be the home team that marched away victorious, as the Elmira College women's soccer team was edged by a 2-0 final score.
 
Houghton led in shots, 18-3, and also held a 12-1 advantage in shots on goal. There were four corner kicks taken in the contest, which were split evenly by both sides, as Elmira and Houghton registered two apiece.
 
Despite a 6-2 lead in shots in the first half for the Highlanders, Elmira was able to keep the Houghton offense off of the scoreboard. Only two of Houghton's shots were on goal, both of which were stopped by EC netminder Ali DeSalvatore '20, who finished with 10 saves in her first collegiate start for the Soaring Eagles.
 
Amy Sullivan '18 and Jordyn Rousselle '18 registered Elmira's two shots of the first half, but both attempts sailed high in the seventh and 44th minutes, respectively.
 
Although the Elmira defense held its own in the first half, the Highlanders were able to break through with a pair of goals in the opening 20 minutes of the second stanza. Nikki Garns opened the scoring in the 52nd minutes on an assist by Meagan Barry. Then in the 64th minute, Barry added to her point total with a goal of her own, assisted by Kate Taggart.
 
The two-goal Highlander lead proved to be an insurmountable one, as Houghton held EC to one shot in the final 45 minutes to secure a 2-0 shutout victory.
 
News and Notes

• With the loss, Elmira is eliminated from Empire 8 postseason contention.
• Houghton remained at the No. 4 spot in the E8 standings.
• The 18 shots by Houghton were the fewest EC has allowed since its September 23 matchup with Alfred.
• DeSalvatore made 10 saves in her first career start.

 
Up Next
The Elmira women will face The Sage Colleges in Empire 8 action this Saturday, October 21, on EC's home pitch at Campus Field. The opening kickoff is slated for 12:00 p.m. Saturday's contest will also serve as Elmira's Class of 2018 Recognition Day in which the Soaring Eagles will honor their graduating seniors.