Westfield State junior standout Sarah Sypek scored the game-winning goal in the Owls’ 2-1 victory over Springfield College. (Photo by Mickey Curtis)
SPRINGFIELD – The Westfield State University women’s soccer team edged Springfield College, 2-1 Saturday night, Sept. 7, in the Springfield College Invitational. The Pride gained momentum in the second half, but Westfield was able to hold on for the win.
The Owls got on the board with 22:36 left in the first half on a Springfield miscommunication in the backfield. Hannah Zannini (Amesbury, Mass.) put it in for a 1-0 Westfield lead.
The Owls scored again in the 33rd minute. Sarah Sypek (Westhampton, Mass.) raced between two defenders and broke free, launching a goal into the left side of the net for a 2-0 lead.
Springfield brought the game within one goal in the second half on a penalty kick by Nina Vital (Ludlow, Mass.) in the 63rd minute. After a collision with Westfield State goalie Jess Habif (Natick, Mass.), Vital was awarded the kick, which she buried into the left side of the net.
Springfield threatened with 35 seconds remaining in the game. Nicole Fowler (Maynard, Mass.) made a long flip throw in from the right side and Sara Dalton (Schenectady, N.Y.) tried to head it in, but Habif made the save to preserve the win.
