Katie Eames and Stacy Finley each tallied second period goals to help Navy hold off a late Hornet rally as the Midshipmen defeated the Sacramento State women’s soccer team 2-1 Friday evening at Hornet Soccer Field. The match marked the opening of the 2003 season for both squads.Eames put the Midshipmen on the board first during the 53rd minute after connecting on a deflected corner-kick strike by teammate Stacey Finley.
Navy added another goal in the 76th minute when Finley connected from the left side of the Hornet goal. Finley set herself and placed the ball to the top right post past a leaping Stephanie Shaw.
Sacramento State cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 89th minute when sophomore Linda Sanchez poked a shot to the bottom left post. Freshman Maggie Murphy began the play by crossing a ball from the right side. Sanchez took one touch and placed the ball in the net.
The Hornet made several attempts to even the score but could not place on shot on goal in the last minute of play.
Shaw, a freshman from San Pedro, Calif., tallied a game-high 11 saves in her first collegiate start.
Sacramento State will next host U.C. Davis at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31, at Hornet Soccer Field. The match will be the first of a scheduled doubleheader with the men’s soccer team.
