Back to Back Goals by Maria Pollifrone Lift Women's Soccer Over Trinity

Nov. 3, 2008

Southwestern took down conference rivals Trinity University on Saturday, closing our their home season with a 2-1 win.

In a match anticipated since last season's 0-4 loss, the Pirates quickly found themselves playing a catch up game when Trinity forward Brianna Young weaved through defenders to sneak a shot into the center net in the 12th minute. Undeterred, Southwestern pushed back with several attacks, but were unable to score an equalizer by halftime.

However, coming out in the second period, Maria Pollifrone only needed sixty-five seconds to even the score when a series of short passes found her in front of the Tigers' net. Four minutes later, Pollifrone put in the game winner, taking advantage of a keeper fumble to tap in the ball. Sophomore Danielle Madison was credited with assists on both goals, with another going to Lauren Kjolhede on the first.

"Maria really stepped up," said head coach Jené Baclawski. The goals, which were the first in the freshman's career, "had been coming all season." Baclawski also praised the defensive team, which held the Tigers to only three shots on goal in the first half and shut them out altogether in the second.

The Pirates, whose record improved to 12-3-1 (5-2 SCAC) is locked in a second place tie with both Trinity (11-4-1, 5-2 SCAC) and Centre (10-5-1, 5-2 SCAC). Should the tie hold until the end of the season, the winner will be determined by the team which has come out on top in head-to-head encounters.

Southwestern will finish the regular season this weekend on the road, facing DePauw on Friday, November 7, and Centre on Sunday, November 9.

Photo credit: Gary Kromann