Gazra's Three Points Not Enough as Women's Soccer Ties Smith

WPI 2, Smith 2 (2 OT)

Worcester, MA --- Smith College scored two goals in the final 14 minutes of regulation to help earn a 2-2 road tie against host WPI in NEWMAC women's soccer action on Tuesday evening. With the draw, Smith sees its record go to 2-11-2 on the season and 1-4-2 in conference play. WPI is now 6-9-1 on the year and 1-5-1 in NEWMAC action.

The Engineers would strike first on a goal by Kristen Garza (Kingston, MA) just 1:09 before halftime. Garza took a pass from freshman Kat Kulzer (Troy, NY), and shot a low line drive just past the dive of the Smith goalkeeper. It was Garza's 24th career goal and Kulzer's first career point. WPI held possession for most of the first half, outshooting the Pioneers 11-1 and holding a 4-2 edge on corner kicks.

WPI would increase its lead to 2-0 in the 64th minute on Kelsey Mawhiney's (Johnston, RI) third goal of the season. Mawhiney collected a breakaway pass from Garza and took a high-arching shot over the goalie.

Smith got on the board at the 76:12 mark on a penalty kick goal by sophomore Bryce Bludevich (Colchester, VT), her first of the season. With just over three minutes remaining in regulation, the Pioneers would score the game-tying goal off a corner kick. Hailey Bird (Salt Lake City, UT) launched the corner into the goal box where it was deposited into the back of the net by Ella Hartenian (Arlington, MA) for her first tally of the year.

The Engineers took all six of the shots in overtime, but Smith goalkeeper Lauren Bachtel (Dublin, OH) was sensational. The senior made eight stops on the night, including a sprawling save of a Liz Tuite (Hopkinton, MA) rocket midway through the second overtime. WPI netminder Abaigeal Caras (Essex, CT) post one save for the Crimson and Gray.

The contest marked the final home match for four seniors, including Sabrina Zayas (Canton, MA), Jocelyn Moody (Bainbridge Island, WA), Amanda Young (Goffstown, NH), and Meg Pasquali (Laconia, NH).

Both teams return to action on Saturday with 1pm conference matches against regionally ranked squads. WPI heads to Springfield to take on the third-ranked (#22 nationally) Pride while Smith hosts sixth-ranked Wheaton.

Story written by David D. Milone

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