WINTER PARK, Fla. (September 26, 2010) -
Freshman midfielder Olivia
Bloemke scored the game-winning goal with a little under two
minutes remaining in the first overtime period to lift the
sixth-ranked Rollins women's soccer team over visiting Texas
A&M-Commerce, 1-0 on Sunday afternoon. Bloemke's first
collegiate goal of her young career helps the Tars advance to 6-1-0
on the season, while the Lions drop to 5-2-0.
Bloemke's strike on frame was the result of a cross from senior
defender Leah
Hirsch. The ball from Hirsch quickly found its way to
Bloemke's feet from the right side, and the Tampa, Fla. native was
able to gather it in and make the shot to give the Tars the victory
at the 98:19 mark.
"We battled for just over 98 minutes and managed to find a way
to win in overtime," said head coach Patrick
Baker. "The first half was very well matched, with both sides
imposing their systems on the game. I felt like as the game wore on
and it got hotter we started to really make things happen and
created numerous opportunities. Everyone played and contributed to
today's success and those investments in our players will continue
to pay-off throughout the season."
Rollins and Texas-Commerce were both unable to capitalize on
their offensive attacks throughout regulation. But thanks to the
Tars' depth and versatility despite a handful of injuries, Rollins
was still able to dictate the pace of the game for the majority of
the contest. The Tars rattled off 20 shots in comparison to the
Lions' seven, six of which were on frame while Texas-Commerce was
only able to place three on target all contest.
"While we're not at full strength because of injuries, we have
focused on match-ups, both collectively and individually," Baker
explained. "Olivia was huge for us today with her heading presence,
and it was so great to see her find that moment of magic to score
her first college goal in overtime. She didn't see action in our
last two games, but she has worked hard in training, and even taken
an extra session on her own so she would be ready. Today we all saw
the results of her incredible work ethic."
Despite the stalemate that kicked things into overtime, Rollins
made sure to keep Texas-Commerce on their toes. With six shots
from Chelsea
Brady, five from Ali
Schrader, and nine different Tars ripping shots, Rollins used
their depth and versatility well.
"Everyone will look at our 6-1-0 record, review the stats, and
make their own opinions about our team," continued Baker. "We are
getting better each week, and the players are putting a premium on
defense across the entire field. We now have four straight
shutouts, and it is a reflection of their defensive focus. Our
attack is definitely coming together nicely, as well. Six
different players have accounted for our game winning goals thus
far and that speaks volumes about the balance of our attack."
The Lions proved to be a formidable opponent for the Tars, not
allowing the Tars to take a break both mentally and physically.
Texas-Commerce's shots on frame allowed Rollins goalkeeper Michelle
Dillingham to make three clutch saves, including one in
overtime, and gives the Debary, Fla. native her fourth-straight
shutout on the season.
"The end result today was terrific," Baker concluded.
"Texas-Commerce will win a lot of games this year, and should do
very well in their conference. They are well coached, extremely
athletic and can frustrate a team in a number of different ways.
We showed some character today, and at when it was all over we
found a way to win."
The Tars return to action when they step back into Sunshine
State Conference play on Wednesday, September 29, when they travel
to Boca Raton, Fla. to take on Lynn University. Kickoff against
the Fighting Knights is set for 3:00 p.m. Fans will be able to
catch all of the action live on the Tars Sports Network at
RollinsSports.com.
