PLATTSBURGH — The Plattsburgh State women’s soccer team wasn’t able to put Castleton State away Wednesday.
But more importantly, however, the Cardinals won the game.
Ashley Pagano, Kayla Rabideau and Ashley McKenelley scored goals in Plattsburgh’s 3-2 non-conference victory.
The Cardinals (3-0) held a 3-1 lead when the Spartans (1-2) made it a one-goal game with 4:59 remaining.
“We were in the driver’s seat and a little youth and inexperience let them back in it,” said Plattsburgh coach Karen Waterbury. “We came out with the full throttle blowing in the second half and then had some little lulls.
“Give Castleton credit for hanging in there. They were opportunistic and their goalkeeper played well.”
It was a scoreless game until Pagano gave the Cardinals the lead with a drive from outside of 10 yards with 4:56 left in the first half. Renee Egan assisted.
Mallory Costello tied it for the Spartans from in close with 4:15 gone in the second half, only to have Rabideau take a pass from Kristie Pageau and drill a shot from the far side of the net to put Plattsburgh back on top, at the 11:30 mark.
Then with 16:13 gone in the second, Rabideau sent a pass into the middle to McKenelley, who made it 3-1.
“It was nice to see us score three goals — three good goals,” said Waterbury. “There were real positives for us. Our strikers are showing well and we’re playing to the feet. And we’re shooting more.”
But Kelsey Garceau brought Castleton to within a goal with 4:59 remaining in regulation and the Cardinals were forced to hang on.
“We have to stay focused for 90 minutes and do a little better in our defensive third,” said Waterbury.
The Cardinals held a 20-8 shot advantage and Monica D’Ippolito stopped four shots in the Plattsburgh nets. Sarah Shilstone finished with 10 saves for the Spartans. Plattsburgh also had a 5-2 corner kick advantage.
“I feel confident and comfortable with the team right now,” said Waterbury.
The Cardinals will hit the road this weekend to take part in the Union College Tournament.
Plattsburgh State 3,
Castleton State 2
Castleton State 0 2 — 2
Plattsburgh State 1 2 — 3
First half-
1, PSU, Pagano (Egan), 41:04.
Second half-
2, CS, Costello (Ethier), 4:15. 3, PSU, Rabideau (Pageau), 11:30. 4, PSU, McKenelley (Rabideau), 16:13. 5, CS, Garceau (Phillips), 40:01.
Shots:
Plattsburgh 20, Castleton 8.
Saves: Shilstone, CS, 10, D’Ippolito, PSU, 4.
