Hamburg, N.Y. – The Alfred State women's soccer team generated plenty of offensive chances on Tuesday but could not find the equalizer in a 2-1 loss to Hilbert. The setback moves the Pioneers to 5-4-1 overall and 1-2-0 in conference play.
Alfred State came out aggressively from the start, creating multiple scoring opportunities early.
Jillian Wright,
Laurel Yard, and
Tristyn Williams each tested the Hawks defense in the opening minutes before
Isabella Hoffmann nearly broke through in the 12th minute, hitting the crossbar with a shot.
Hilbert opened the scoring in the 14th minute, but the Pioneers answered quickly. Just four minutes later, Hoffmann finished a pass from Williams and buried the equalizer to make it 1-1. Hoffmann was dangerous throughout the match, leading Alfred State with seven shots and four shots on goal.
The Hawks took back the lead in the 32nd minute and carried a 2-1 advantage into halftime despite relentless pressure from the Pioneers. Alfred State recorded 14 first-half shots and earned six corner kicks while searching for another breakthrough.
The second half followed a similar script, with the Pioneers controlling possession and creating chances.
Kaitlyn Howell came inches from tying the contest in the 64th minute when her shot struck the crossbar. Hoffmann forced a save in the 70th minute, while
Regan Curabba paced the team with five shots on goal.
Alfred State continued to push forward in the closing minutes, earning multiple corner kicks and sending several shots toward goal. By the final whistle, the Pioneers held a commanding 29-8 advantage in shots and a 10-2 edge in corner kicks.
In goal,
Savannah Picha made three saves during the first half before
Madeline Cox entered after halftime and added two saves. Hilbert goalkeeper Keira McFarland was the difference-maker, recording 12 saves to preserve the Hawks' one-goal lead.
Despite the result, Alfred State's attacking performance showcased its ability to create opportunities, finishing with 29 shots in one of its strongest offensive outings of the season.
The Pioneers look to bounce back on Saturday, October 10
th, when the Pioneers travel to the SUNY Delhi to take on the Broncos. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 PM.
