(Dover, Del.) – The Delaware State women's soccer team (4-8-1) not only picked up its first shutout victory of the season with a 2-0 road win over the NJIT Highlanders (2-9), but it was Kerri Scroope's 11th career victory at the helm, solidifying her spot as the program's all-time winningest head coach.
“This accomplishment is just a testament to how much work we as a program have put in since I got here,” said Scroope, who was last season's College Sports Madness Independent Conference Head Coach of the Year. “The last two seasons we have seen major strides not only in the skill level of our players, but just the overall mindset and knowledge of the game of soccer. I couldn't be more proud of this team.”
The win over NJIT Tuesday night also resulted in DSU's first back-to-back pair of victories this season, in addition to defeating the Highlanders for the second time in as many tries.
“It's just so fitting that we got the win on the road up here at NJIT,” added Scroope. “It's always a tough, physical contest whenever we play each other. I know this win will do a lot for our confidence.”
The evening's first goal occurred during the 33rd minute with the Highlanders committing a costly foul deep in their own territory. As a result, midfielder Danielle Valente (1) converted the penalty kick attempt for her second career goal. Coming into Tuesday's contest, the Hornets were 0-for-3 in penalty kick situations.
Still clinging to a 1-0 lead, the Hornets went up two during the 51st minute, when forward Julia Bossert made a pass to a streaking Bri Musco (2). With defenders trailing, Musco was able to put it past goalkeeper Samantha Bersett (2-8), tying forward Taylor Love as the team's leader in goals (2) and points (4).
DSU's Michele Lammers, meanwhile, secured her first career shutout victory totaling three saves to push her season total to 60. Offensively, the Hornets finished the evening with 10 shots, including six placed on-frame.
Coming up, the Columbia Blue & Red will return to Alumni Stadium for the final time this Sunday afternoon (1 p.m.) to face first-year program Hampton.
“Even though Hampton is a new program, we cannot take them lightly,” said Scroope. “We have come out and play with the same intensity we have been the last couple of games.”
