Women’s soccer annihilates Anna Maria

By Taylor Kimmell Asst. Sports Editor The Framingham State Rams defeated the Anna Maria Amcats in a shutout, scoring 2-0 in a conference match Oct. 11. This win brings the team’s conference record to 3-2. Just five minutes in, Anna Maria had their first attempt on goal, shooting far to the right. A shot at 7:17 was aimed right between the posts, but was saved by FSU goalkeeper Savannah Goba, a sophomore. With a strong punt from Goba, the Rams were on the offensive. Freshman Abigale King had the first shot on net, which was saved by Amcat’s goalkeeper, Brooke Austin. Freshman Bethany Serrano had the Rams’ next shot on net, also saved by Austin. Austin’s punt allowed the Amcats to regain the offensive advantage for the next 9:30. During Framingham’s next drive to the net after regaining possession, sophomore Isabella Fischer sent a pass to Bethany Serrano, who rocketed the ball toward the net. Her shot flew just out of reach of Austin to net FSU’s first goal of the match. Bethany Serrano said, “Scoring the goal definitely gave us momentum, but it was really a reflection of how well we were working together as a team. “Everyone contributed - whether it was winning the ball back, making the right pass, or creating space. Once the goal went in, it just lifted our energy and confidence across the field. And of course, our little team dance afterward probably showed how close we all are and how much fun we have together,” she added. Two minutes later, junior Ana Serrano shot on net once again, the ball bouncing off the top post and into the Amcat’s possession. On FSU’s next possession, Captain Grayson Tellier, a senior, shot on goal, with Austin blocking her attempt. Framingham maintained the offensive advantage for the next 13 minutes. Tellier had the Rams’ next shot on goal, and Austin saved the ball once again. At 32:27, Austin procured another save while diving to the left corner of the net to block a ball sent in by sophomore Beyonce Gray. Within the minute, sophomore Hailey Ring sent in a shot that sailed over the top of the Amcat’s net. Not a minute after being subbed in, sophomore Bella Grimaldi attempted a shot on goal that was saved by Austin. King took FSU’s last shot of the half, sending a ball to the bottom left corner and into the arms of Austin. The Amcats had a final push toward Framingham’s goal and Goba blocked that shot, sending the ball back into play for the final three minutes before halftime. Within the first three minutes of the second half, the Rams scored their second goal of the game on a corner kick by freshman Sophia Thimm, who crossed the ball to freshman Lily Gouveina, who broke through Austin’s defense. An offside penalty against Anna Maria allowed a shot from Bethany Serrano that sailed over the net. Ten uneventful minutes later, the Rams brought the pressure back to the Amcats’ net with a shot from Thimm, followed by one from Gray. The Amcats stole back possession a minute and a half later and shot on net, allowing Goba to tally another save. Within the next five minutes, FSU stole back possession, allowing Ana Serrano an attempt at a goal that proved unsuccessful. During the final 15 minutes of play, Framingham held control on the offensive end. The Rams tallied two more shots, one from King and the other from Captain Abigail Pratt, a sophomore, before the match concluded with a score of 2-0 - a hard-fought and well-deserved victory for Framingham State. Both goals during the match came from freshmen, proving the strength of the younger members of the team. Pratt said, “Having so many young starters, it was hard to find that chemistry at the start. Further into the season, we have found that chemistry has become so strong that it makes it harder for other teams to break us apart.” Bethany Serrano’s performance during the match and others last week earned her the title of MASCAC’s Rookie of the Week. Bethany Serrano said earning the recognition is “definitely an honor, but I see it as a team recognition more than an individual one. “I wouldn't be in this position without the constant support from my teammates and coaching staff - they push me every day to be better. The award reflects the environment we've built as a team. We're all focused on continuing to improve and peaking together as we head into the playoffs,” she added. The team lost against Lesley University 1-0 Oct. 15, bringing their overall record to 5-7-2. The Rams travel to Westfield State University for a conference matchup Oct. 18. Pratt said, “After Anna Maria, the team felt we played well, but we can play faster and stronger on and off the ball. Having that mindset of thinking before the play and what our next step will be can help us in the game against Westfield.” [ Editor’s Note: Bella Grimaldi is the News Editor for The Gatepost. ]