Boston College women beat Hofstra

Chestnut Hill, MA (Sunday, November 14, 2010) – The Boston College women’s soccer team advanced to the Sweet 16 for the third consecutive season with a 3-1 victory over Hofstra in a second round match of the NCAA Tournament in front of 720 fans at the Newton Soccer Field.

Boston College improved to 15-6-1 on the season while Hofstra ends the season at 19-3-0. BC will play West Virginia in the Sweet 16 on Friday, November 19.

The Eagles were led offensively by sophomore Kristen Mewis. The midfielder from Hanson, MA gave BC a 1-0 lead 17 minutes into the match. Mewis received the ball from Hannah Cerrone and carried the ball down the left sideline.

Mewis struck a looping ball into the far post to give the Eagles the early lead. It was her tenth goal of the season, a new career high for Mewis.

Hofstra tied the game just 10 minutes later when Courtney Breen flicked an Amy Turner free kick into the back of the net.

The Eagles gained a 2-1 lead on a great goal from freshman defender Zoe Lombard. A native of Florida, Lombard one-timed a set piece driven to the back of the goal by Hannah Cerrone. It was Lombard’s first career goal, first gamewinning goal in her first career start for the Eagles.

BC junior Stephanie Wirth would seal the victory when she connected with Mewis. Wirth made a run up the side and Mewis found her when she switched the point of attack. Wirth one-timed a low shot from the 22 yard line past the approaching Hofstra goalkeeper Emily Morphitis. It was Wirth’s third goal of the season and Mewis’ 12th helper of the season.

Boston College goalkeeper Jillian Mastroianni came up big in the second half as she deflected a shot from Hofstra’s Laura Green that was headed into the top left corner at the 60 minute mark. She finished the game with two saves.

Mewis finished with four shots, three on goal, while the Eagles had 10 total shots in the game Hofstra’s Laura Greene had three shots and the Pride had nine shots in the match. BC held the edge in corner kicks, 6-1.