OLD WESTBURY, NY (www.OLDWESTBURYPANTHERS.com) - The SUNY College at Old Westbury women's soccer team came from behind for the third time in four matches to defeat the #5 College at Mount Saint Vincent Dolphins 2-1 in the Skyline Conference quarterfinal. The #4 Panthers (13-7) reach the semifinal for the third consecutive season and will face top-seeded Mount Saint Mary.
The match started well for the Panthers, as they controlled most of the play in the opening 20 minutes, but it was Mount Saint Vincent (11-8) that struck first. Forward Vanessa Cornacchio pounced on a deflected ball in the box in the 28th minute and banged home her 13th goal of the season with ease to put her Dolphins in front.
The second half saw Old Westbury ace
Stephanie Maybie switch from center back to forward, and in the 78th minute the change paid off.
Midfielder
Jordan Schildt controlled a ball in the midfield before playing it out left for
JoAnna Kettell, who used her speed to evade the Dolphins' defense. Kettell then played a high cross into the box for a waiting Maybie, who headed home her 18th goal of the season.
With no winner to be found in the remaining 12 minutes of regulation, the two sides headed for extra time. After flubbing a handful of opportunities in the first three minutes,
Michelle Ventimiglia made good on a missed header of her own and put away a rebound goal to lift the Panthers into the semis in the 94th minute. It was the sophomore's first career game winner and her second goal of the season.
Keeper
Caitlin Thomas turned away four Mount Saint Vincent attempts in a game that saw her side outshoot its opponent 22-11 (9-5 on target). Thomas' 13th win extends her program single-season win record.
Strong games were had by both
Krystal Guerrero, who made several key stops on the backline, and
Jasmine Kerby, who provided great energy down the left-hand side of the pitch.
MOUNT SAINT MARY KNIGHTS UP NEXT FOR THE PANTHERS: The Panthers continue their pursuit for their first ever Skyline Conference Championship on Wednesday (Nov. 6) when they travel to Mount Saint Mary to take on the top-seeded Knights in the semifinal. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. from Kaplan Field.
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