The Yellowjackets matched their single season victory record of 12 wins after defeating SUNY Oneonta on Saturday and SUNY Brockport on Wednesday. They finished the season with an overall record of 12-6.
On Wednesday the Yellowjackets beat SUNY Brockport 2-1 in overtime. Senior Mary DiMatteo scored the first goal for UR off of a penalty corner at 48:20 to even up the score at one goal apiece. The goal was assisted by senior Celinda Fletcher.
Less than two minutes into overtime play, DiMatteo, assisted by senior Revay Wilson, netted her second goal of the game during a scramble in front of the net for the win. Both teams were even in shot attempts with 11, and Brockport held a 9-6 advantage in penalty corners. Junior goalie Rachel Cahan made six saves allowing one goal.
On Saturday the ‘Jackets downed the SUNY Oneonta Red Dragons 3-2. Freshman Lara Bucarey scored the first goal of the game for UR off of a rebound at 22:38, evening the score at 1-1. DiMatteo then followed with a goal of her own 17 minutes later, putting the Yellowjackets on top 2-1. Freshman Christi Bottcher scored the game- winning goal for UR off of a penalty corner at 43:58, with senior Celinda Fletcher and junior Kari Plewniak each getting credit for the assist.
Oneonta outshot Rochester 17-16 and lead 9-8 on penalty corners. Cahan made eight stops in goal, allowing only two goals.
On Monday, the Liberty League named Cahan the Defensive Performer of the Week for the third week this season, recognizing her outstanding work between the pipes. In addition, freshman Christi Bottcher was named Co-Rookie of the Week after scoring her second game-winning goal of the season on Saturday.
Co-captain DiMatteo scored three goals over the past week and has been a crucial factor in the success of the team this season.
“Mary just doesn’t know how to lose,” head coach Michelle Andre said. “She really stepped up her game and when the game was on the line she created tremendous scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates.”
Andre commented on the team’s success throughout the season and what it took for the team to get to 12 wins.
“Experience was a major factor for our team,” she said. “Another thing we had this year was depth. Our level of play was just always at a national level. The only thing we didn’t achieve this season was making our conference tournament. I do believe as far as an overall season it was a great season. The senior class was instrumental in what we have achieved and what we hope to achieve in the future.”
The Yellowjackets still have a chance to make the Eastern College Athletic Conference championships. The announcement will be made on Nov. 6 and the team has high hopes of continuing the season.
“We finished out strong and did what we needed to do to give ourselves the best chance of gettng into the ECACs,” Plewniak said. The last time the ‘Jackets finished their season with 12 wins they continued on to the postseason.
Levy is a member of the class of 2008.
