KEUKA PARK, N.Y. — Keuka College senior
Kirstin Billings made an emphatic statement as the Wolves started Empire 8 play on Saturday. The senior had two goals and two assists as Keuka College defeated Russell Sage College 5-1 at the Jephson Community Athletic Complex.
The win was the first of the season for Keuka College (1-3, 1-0 Empire 8). First-year
Alexis McGregor scored her first two career goals on Saturday and
Alexis Dodge added a tally for the Wolves.
Keuka College 5 vs. Russell Sage College 1
The game had both teams creating offensive chances in the opening quarter, but it would be Keuka who pulled ahead just before the break.
Kirstin Billings took the ball into the circle and weaved between Gator defenders. Her shot was inside the left post of the 1-0 lead.
Keuka quickly doubled their lead in the second quarter. Billings centered the ball to
Alexis Dodge who scored her first of the season, making it 2-0. Play settled but Keuka maintained the 2-0 advantage at the half.
Keuka College goalie
Jordan Nichols was called into early duty in the third quarter following a corner for Sage. The senior made a pair of saves. Play flipped ends and
Kirstin Billings' shot was saved but
Alexis McGregor was there for the rebound to make it 3-0. Russell Sage pulled one back with a goal, but Keuka had an answer a minute later.
Erika Coville sent a pass from midfield that broke Billings on a breakaway. The senior secured her second goal of the game to regain the three-goal lead, 4-1.
The Wolves capped the scoring in the final quarter as Keuka capitalized on a corner.
Tori Nelson let a shot go off of the corner pass that was tipped in front of the goalie by McGregor as the Wolves defeated the Gators 5-1.
KC Notes:
- Keuka College improves to 4-2 all-time against Russell Sage College. It is tied for the second-most wins against a single program in Keuka College Field Hockey history
- Billings set a new career-high with six points in a game. It was the fifth time in her career that she has scored a pair of goals in a game
- Billings continues to climb the Keuka College record book. She moves into a tie for third in career goals (18), fourth in career points (44), and a tie for fifth in career assists (8)
- Jordan Nichols ranks second in career saves at Keuka College with 348 saves
Up Next for Keuka College: After earning their first Empire 8 win of the season, Keuka College steps back out of conference play for a pair of games this week. The Wolves travel to Oswego State to face the Lakers on Wednesday. Keuka then returns home to the Jephson Community Athletic Complex to host St. Lawrence University at 3 p.m. on Saturday.