Dutchmen Take Control Early, Hold Off Gophers Late

ANNVILLE, Pa. — Goucher allowed four goals in the opening eight minutes at Lebanon Valley this afternoon, and the Gophers were never able to fight all the way back, ultimately dropping a 15-11 decision to the Dutchmen in their first road game of the season.

Erin Reifsnyder (Austin, Texas/St. Andrew's Episcopal) scored five goals to lead the offensive attack for Goucher (1-2), while Anneke Ossorio (Lafayette, Colo./Kent Denver School) and Hannah Mae Brown (Pinedale, Wyo./Dunn School) each added a pair. Lebanon Valley (2-1) has now won the last three meetings between the teams since a 17-12 win for the Gophers back in 2011.

Sam Boyce, who was one of three Dutchmen to record a hat trick today, scored two of Lebanon Valley's first four markers. Goucher was held off the scoreboard until the 12:06 mark of the first half, when Rita Meissner (Yonkers, N.Y./Yonkers) rifled a shot past goalie Shelby Morris.

Reifsnyder then scored three goals in the final 10 minutes of the half, including two goals within 37 seconds of each other to reduce the deficit to 6-4. The Dutchmen, though, added a late tally with 24 seconds left to take a three-goal lead into the break.

The Gophers also surrendered a goal in the opening minute of the second half, and Lebanon Valley went on to score seven of the half's first nine goals to open up a 14-6 advantage. Goucher attempted a late rally, including a pair of goals from Brown in the last minute, but the disparity was too much to overcome.

Stefi Perry (Houston, Texas/Klein) rounded out the scoring for the Gophers, while Megan Meluskey (Wilmington, Del./Concord) had the team's only assist. Goucher took advantage of its opportunities, scoring on 11 of its 16 shots directed on goal. The Gophers, however, had a season-high 26 turnovers as well, and they were successful on just 9 of 19 clearing attempts.

Emily Gill (White Hall, Md./North Harford) registered a career-high nine saves in goal for Goucher. She also added four ground balls, which tied her with Reifsnyder for the team lead, and she was the lone Gopher to record two caused turnovers.

Goucher will look to get back in the win column this Tuesday with a home matchup against Berry, which has won each of its first three games to start the season.