The Keuka College Women’s Soccer team dropped their first game of the 2024 season on Friday, falling to Buffalo State University 3-0.
Shayla Vetter (Rochester, N.Y. / Hilton) led Keuka College (0-1) with three shots on goal in the game. Elianna Wilder (Victor, N.Y. / Victor) made four saves in goal for the Wolves in her first career start.
Both teams showcased their speed in the opening game of the season. Keuka and Buffalo State each tried longer passes to get behind the opposing defensive lines but to no avail. The Bengals struck first scoring in the 23rd minute as one of the longer passes connected on a break for a 1-0 lead. The Wolves had a chance minutes later with a free kick from 25 yards out, but the ball sailed over the goal. Parker Lahey (Whitesboro, N.Y. / Whitesboro) gave a spark off the bench and charged down the right win in the 31st minute. Her crossing pass was a foot too far, however, and controlled by the keeper. The play flipped ends and Buffalo State made it 2-0. Keuka again tried to work the right side of the Bengals’ defense in the closing minutes of the half. Chaise Willis (Greece, N.Y. / Greece Athena) pushed the ball down the wing this time. She was able to connect with Sam Bates (Holley, N.Y. / Holley) in the box. The first-year forward got a shot off but the Bengals keeper had the near post covered for the save.
In the second half, the Bengals added to their lead ten minutes in. Keuka College had their best opportunity in the 81st minute. In a scrum in front of the goal, the keeper for the Bengals came off her line. The ball found the foot of Kelsey Davis (Nunda, N.Y. / Keshequa). Her shot got past the keeper, but a Buffalo State defender cleared the ball off the line. The Bengals held on for the 3-0 victory over the Wolves.
Up Next for Keuka College: The Green and Gold are on the road for a pair of games next week. The Wolves will first face the Hawks of Hilbert College on Tuesday. Keuka will then travel to Williamsport, Pa. to face Lycoming College on Saturday.
For the latest stories, schedules, and results from Keuka College Athletics, visit www.KeukaAthletics.com, like on Instagram and X @KeukaAthletics, or go to the Keuka Athletics’ Facebook page
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