ELMIRA, N.Y. -- The Elmira College women's soccer team challenges the 16th-ranked Ducks of the Stevens Institute of Technology in an Empire 8 Conference bout on Saturday, September 30. The league tilt is slated begin at 11:00 a.m. at the DeBaun Athletic Complex in Hoboken, New Jersey.
LAST TIME OUT
The Soaring Eagles suffered a 4-0 setback to E8 foe Hartwick College on Wednesday, September 27, in Oneonta, New York. The Hawks did a good job of controlling procession in the bout, as the home team registered 25 shots compared to Elmira's two. Facing constant pressure, the Purple and Gold's starting netminder,
Rachel Grampp '18, recorded nine saves on the night, eight of which came in the second half. The Soaring Eagles' best chance of the evening came off the foot of senior forward
Kerri Clark '18, who registered the team's lone shot on goal in the 72nd minute, but Hartwick keeper Cassandra Robataille was able to make the save to ensure her first shutout of the year.
GRAMPP STAYS BUSY
Through her first eight games this season, Grampp has played all but 45 minutes and has tallied 81 saves. The Williamsville, New York, native has done well in her time in net, as her 10.13 saves per game average leads the E8 and ranks 23rd nationally. In terms of total saves, Grampp ranks 10th in all of Division III. At her current pace, Grampp has a chance to catch Crystal Eaton '88 (166) for the 10th spot on Elmira's all-time single-season saves leaderboard with eight games remaining in the 2017 regular season. Grampp is also very likely to become the second EC goalie in the last five seasons to record 100 saves, joining Amanda Banner '17, who recorded 121 saves in the 2016 campaign.
SCOUTING STEVENS
The 16th-ranked Ducks enter Saturday's bout with 6-1-1 overall record and an unblemished 2-0-0 mark in E8 competition. Stevens' most recent result was a 1-0 road victory over Drew University on Wednesday, September 27. Defense has been the name of the game for the Ducks, as they have allowed just three goals in their eight games this season. Leading the Stevens back line has been senior goalkeeper Lindsey Mahnken. The reigning Second-Team E8 All-Conference honoree paces the league in both goals-against average (.360) and save percentage (.893). Nationally, the Bayville, New Jersey, native ranks 15th in goals-against average and 29th in save percentage. Offensively, Julia Panko paces the team with 11 points on a team-high three assists and four goals, a mark that is tied with both Gabby Saade and Taylor Schaad for the team lead.
SERIES HISTORY
The all-time history between these two feathered foes dates back to the 2007 campaign and involves 10 previous matchups. The Ducks own a 7-3 advantage in the previous meetings after winning the last two bouts. EC's last triumph in the series came on September 27, 2014, when they handed the Ducks a 3-1 defeat at Campus Field.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Soaring Eagles return to action on Tuesday, October 3, with a non-conference bout against Fredonia. The tilt is slated to begin at 5:00 p.m. at the Blue Devils' University Stadium in Fredonia, New York.
