NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Saints senior
Adriana Melaragno saved her second collegiate career goal for a clutch moment, scoring the game-winner in the 84th minute on Tuesday night to lead the Saints to a 1-0 victory over the Norwich Cadets in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) play at Sabine Field. The victory keeps the Saints unbeaten in conference play this season and moves them to 8-5-3 (8-0-3 GNAC), while the Cadets fall to 8-5-2 (4-5-2 GNAC).
In the final minutes of a then-scoreless draw, Melaragno received a pass in the middle of the field nearly 30 yards from goal. After one touch, the senior defender found herself at the top of the penalty area, lining up a shot. Melaragno's right-footed effort was placed perfectly, ricocheting off the right post and into the back of the net, giving the visitors a one-goal lead. The tally was Melaragno's first goal since opening day against Husson in her sophomore season.
The Saints defense locked down the Cadets in the final six minutes, not allowing Norwich to attempt a shot, on the Saints way to a 1-0 win. The victory moves the Saints back into second place in the GNAC table at 27 points with two matches to go.
Minutes before the Saints tally, the Cadets nearly took the lead in the 77th minute with
Lily Briggs firing from long range. A Norwich counterattack and ensuing deflected clearance left the Emmanuel goal wide open as Briggs lined up from 40 yards out. Her attempt was set for the lower left corner, but Saints junior
Cameryn Hickey made a 90-yard run back as part of defending the counter, clearing the ball off the line to keep the match scoreless.
Emmanuel junior goalie
Teigan Robie made six saves in the Saints goal, her most in a conference match this season. The clean sheet is her six of the season and 12th of her career, moving her into third place in team history in career shutouts.
The Saints sit one point back of the top of the table with two matches remaining. Emmanuel returns to play on Saturday, Oct. 24, with a 12:00 p.m. kick at New England College. The regular season then comes to a close on Wednesday, Oct. 28, on Clemente Field at 7:00 p.m. against the team ahead of the Saints in the Saints; the Regis Pride.
