Defense carrying SCC women’s soccer through first 9 games

Published: 09/30/2016

Coming off a 1-0 loss to regional opponent MCC Blue River, St. Charles Community College was in need of different fortunes as they rolled into Normal, Ill., to take on Heartland Community College.

The Cougars have struggled finding the back of the net this season, going into the Heartland game on Sept. 28 with only 18 goals in eight games. Their defense, anchored by Shannon Rettig, center back, Bre Columbo and Karly Leach, outside backs, and Sam Garvilla, freshman keeper, has been the backbone of the team this year, only giving up eight goals and recording two shutouts. 

“Our defense is fantastic. They are hard-nose players who will do anything to not give up a shot,” said Josh Tyler, SCC Women’s Soccer head coach. “Garvilla has been great in the goal. The few goals she has allowed were just great shots. As we continue to get better this year, our defense will keep pushing us along.”

Wednesday’s game versus Heartland was no different. SCC only allowed two shots on goal, but once was enough to beat Garvilla and take a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

The second half belonged to SCC as they put up six shots and garnished seven corners. Sydney Gentry picked up her fourth goal of the year with an assist from Sam Lowe.

“Sydney deserved that goal. She has been an absolute workhorse for us up top. We have to do a better job getting her in positions to score goals,” said Jason Wyland, SCC Women’s Soccer assistant coach. “If we can get her in front of the net, she will put the ball away.”

The game ended in a 1-1 tie despite the Cougars’ dominance in the second half. SCC now posts a 4-3-2 record for the season.

“We are obviously disappointed with the outcome of the game,” said Rettig. “When we are able to control 90 percent of the game and walk away with a tie, we know it should have been better. We are still trying to find our groove as a team. It will come though – we have the talent and drive.”

SCC will travel to Miami, Okla., to play Neo A&M on Sunday, Oct. 2. They welcome Region XVI foe Maple Woods on Tuesday, Oct. 4, and will face another regional opponent at St. Louis Community College on Thursday, Oct. 6.

For more information about SCC women’s soccer, visit stchas.edu/student-life/athletics/teams/womens-soccer/ or contact Coach Tyler at jtyler@stchas.edu.

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit stchas.edu.

Season Stat Leaders

Goals
Deja Lundberg: 4
Sydney Gentry: 4
Lauren Schmickley: 2

Assists
Lauren Schmickley: 4
Bre Colombo, Sydney Gentry, Amanda Heider, Miranda Clamors: 2