Box Score

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Nicole Burton (Warwick, N.Y.) scored the game-winning goal as the Southern Connecticut State University women's soccer team defeated the No. 5 seed Southern New Hampshire 2-0 in the quarterfinals of the Northeast-10 Conference Tournament on Sunday afternoon. The Owls are now unbeaten in their last six matches and improved to 12-4-2 overall on the season. With the loss, the Penmen conclude their season with a record of 8-6-4.

The Owls looked to strike first in a game full of intensity, when Gina Della Rose (Prospect, Conn.) was set free on a pass by Jenna Mallico (Milford, Conn.) with 11 minutes remaining in the first half. The shot by Della Rose was placed well to the far post; however Penmen goalkeeper, Stef Young, made a diving save sending both teams scoreless into halftime.

SCSU came out vigorously in the second half, outshooting Southern New Hampshire 13-1. In the 58th minute of play, Mallico dribbled into the 18-yard box and was fouled by a Penmen defender, creating a penalty shot for the Owls. Burton, as she has done all season, capitalized on the free kick for her sixth goal on the year, giving SCSU a 1-0 lead.

Later in the half, Mallico pressed the Southern New Hampshire defense again and took a shot that struck the far post. Mara Primmer (Oneonta, N.Y.), a late substitution for the Owls, collected the rebound and put away the second goal of the game, completing a 2-0 shutout for SCSU.

Katie DiDio (Vernon, Conn.) recorded five saves on the afternoon for her tenth shutout of the season. Young tallied seven saves in the losing effort for the Penmen.

Southern will advance to the semifinals of the Northeast-10 Tournament and challenge the No. 1 seeded Ravens of Franklin Pierce on Nov. 6. Kickoff for the match has not yet been determined.

###