ONEONTA, N.Y. – An early goal by sophomore forward Mackenzie Groff gave the Ursinus women's soccer team the spark it needed to secure its first victory of the season, a 3-1 defeat of Hartwick in the first contest of the Mayor's Cup hosted by Oneonta State. Junior Phoebe Shoap and senior Erin Farrell also scored for the Bears, who had been held to just one goal in their first two games of the year.
Groff, who finished with five goals and four assists as a rookie, put Ursinus (1-2) on top early with a dazzling individual effort, dribbling across the box and roofing a shot into the top right corner of the goal just 3:18 into the contest.
Hartwick (2-1) outshot the Bears 10-5 in the first half and 20-15 for the game, but a stellar performance from senior Courtney Sullivan ensured that the Red and Old Gold played from in front from there on out. Sullivan made four saves in each half and was rewarded when Shoap headed in a corner off the boot of junior Stephanie Donahue, who notched her first collegiate assist. The goal was the third of Shoap's career.
The Hawks pulled one back on a goal by Hannah Konash in the 62nd minute, but Farrell neutralized the threat at the 69:49 mark by finishing off a set-up from senior Jacqueline Smiler, who dribbled through the defense and dished off to Farrell for her second marker in as many games and the 11th of her career. Sullivan and the Bears' back line kept Hartwick off the board from there.
Senior Jeannie Jasinski led Ursinus with four shots, and Shoap, Farrell, and Groff registered three apiece. The Bears scored three goals for the first time since a 3-1 victory over Dickinson last October 24th.
The Bears will complete their Mayor's Cup stay by battling host Oneonta State on Sunday, September 11 at noon.