KEUKA PARK, N.Y. — The Keuka College Women's Soccer team lost their home opener on Saturday afternoon, falling to Hilbert College 1-0 at the Jephson Community Athletic Complex.

Sam Pelcher made five saves in goal for Keuka College (0-2).

Hilbert College 1 at Keuka College 0

Both teams attempted to build up play in the opening minutes. The Wolves looked to connect their passes through the midfield while Hilbert used their speed down the wings. The Hawks got in on goal in the 13th minute but Sam Pelcher made a key save for the Wolves. Minutes later, Hilbert attacked again down the left wing. The attacker got past her initial defender but Kara Rieger came across to cover and tackle the ball away. The Wolves carried possession in the later minutes of the first and built up the attack. However, their long attempts would be handled by the Hilbert keeper as the game remained scoreless at halftime.

The Wolves had a quick start to the second half and pressured the goal early. The Hawks relieved pressured and turned on the counter with a long ball. It was 50/50 for possession as Hilbert attacked causing Sam Pelcher to come off her line. However, the ball was not fully cleared and Pelcher was called upon for a diving save as she was recovering and running back towards her goal mouth. On the ensuing corner kick, the ball would end up loose in the box. It was touched over to Hilbert's leading scoring from last year who found herself unmarked in front of goal. She converted the attempt from five yards out for the 1-0 lead. The Wolves continued to be in search of their first goal. Courtney Mazeau tried the near post on a shot from the right but it was saved. Chaise Willis had the best chances for the Green and Gold. She was found open at the penalty spot in the 73rd minute but her volley was saved. A minute later, Lindsey Garbacz lofted a pass between the Hawk defense, allowing Willis to run onto it. The junior charged towards the right post, running past the keeper, but her tight-angled shot was cleared off the line by a sliding Hilbert defender to preserve the clean sheet. The Wolves had one more chance at the end as another long ball and some miscommunication between defenders left Willis and Shayla Vetter to charge after the ball. It was in front of them just enough to allow the Hilbert goalie to come off her line and collect the ball. The Hawks would see the game out for a 1-0 victory.

KC Notes:

·         Keuka College is now 5-2-3 all-time against Hilbert College

·         The Wolves doubled up the Hawks in shots. Keuka finished with 25 shots in the game while Hilbert had 12

·         Keuka also had a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks

Up Next for Keuka College: The Green and Gold are next on the road to take on another Green and Gold. Keuka College will play at SUNY Brockport on Thursday, September 7. Kickoff from Brockport is set for 4 p.m.