SALT LAKE CITY – Westminster (3-3-2) fell 1-0 to Florida Tech (9-0-3), the top-ranked team in NCAA Division II, on Sunday at Dumke Field. Ellinor Blaasternes scored in the 3rd minute, and the Griffins couldn't find an equalizer despite putting three shots on target to Florida Tech's two. The Panthers held a 12-10 shot edge and 54% of possession.
Game Breakdown
First Half
Florida Tech struck early. Blaasternes scored her fourth goal of the season in the 3rd minute off an assist from Anae Malbete. The Panthers kept the pressure on, with Malbete's shot blocked in the 7th minute, Blaasternes sending one high in the 8th, and Alice Mottershead forcing a save from Marin Mackenzie in the 9th. Blaasternes added a shot high in the 19th minute and another that was blocked in the 26th.
Westminster's first shots came in the 13th minute, when Adrianna Pulver sent one high and Natalie Cardin's attempt went wide right. The Griffins' best stretch came in the 32nd and 33rd minutes. Skye Kennedy's shot was saved by Mette Brandes in the 32nd, then Kennedy had two attempts blocked and Abigail Austin had one blocked in the 33rd. Kirsten Kirkham sent a shot high in the 45th minute. The Panthers held an 8-7 shot edge and 60% of possession in the first half, and Westminster went to the break trailing 1-0, with Florida Tech winning the corner battle 1-0.
Second Half
Westminster pushed for the equalizer after the break. Kirkham tested Brandes in the 48th minute, but the shot was saved. Florida Tech answered in the 54th minute, when Eboni Bradshaw's shot was blocked and Mottershead sent one high. Isabelle Bromage went high in the 75th minute, and Kamila Pena had a shot blocked in the 78th.
Madelyn Feick sent a shot wide left for the Griffins in the 81st minute, and Kennedy forced a late save from Brandes in the 87th. The Panthers held on for the 1-0 win. Florida Tech outshot Westminster 4-3 in the second half.
Griffin Performances
Kennedy led Westminster with four shots, two on target, in 53 minutes. Kirkham took two shots, one on target, in 90 minutes. Mackenzie played all 90 minutes in goal and made one save.
Up Next
Westminster stays home to host Adams State on Friday, Oct. 9. Kickoff time 6:00 PMÂ
