BALTIMORE MD

The Cedar Crest Falcons were unable to find the net in the nail-biter match-up against the Notre Dame of Maryland Gators.

In the very evenly competitive game, the Falcons and Gators ran up and down the field trying to strike the net first. The Gators saw many opportunities early on in the game, but the Falcons shortly adjusted to the opposition and began finding some of their own early in the half. The Gators found the net in the 30^th minute when a ball was played in the air into the box over goalkeeper, Kristina Brandveen (Williamsburg,VA/Warhill High School)'s line of sight. The Falcons wouldn't rest there, as they raced up the field on many occasions, and almost found the net in the 40^th minute when sophomore, Courtney Long (Coopersburg, PA/Southern Lehigh) played an immaculate cross to Freshman Allison Rittle (Fredericksburg, PA/Northern Lebanon) who barely missed the net. The half would end 1-0 in favor of the Gators. 

The second half was much like the first, as the teams continued to battle. The Falcons were especially energetic, as they were looking to equalize. As the game went on, the physicality, aggression, and emotions began flaring, and the battle became even tougher. The Falcons were hungry for a goal and the Gators weren't letting up. Junior, Shaquira McCottry (Philadelphia, PA/Girard College) showed her athletic ability as she raced up and down the field, seemingly playing more than one position, particularly impressive in the defensive third. Much like the Gators' defense, who wasn't giving up easily, the Falcons continued to fight hard, not allowing them to get by. Unfortunately the second 45 wasn't enough, as time went on the Falcons couldn't find the equalizing goal, which led to the game ending 1-0 in favor of the home team.  

After the game, coach Sarah Wolcott said " Tough one today, I was really proud of the effort we gave. We played hard and worked together for 90 minutes. Notre Dame had some good chances and they capitalized on one. Even with all of our hard work we couldn't get one in the back of the net, but that's the way the ball rolls sometimes. I'm proud of the team- we showed our full potential today; unfortunately the score didn't reflect that." 

With the loss the Falcons fall to a 3-14-0 overall record, and a 1-9-0 in CSAC play. The Falcons return to the field Thursday 31^st October as they take on Cairn University on the road.