Providence, R.I.—Freshman midfielder Marissa Ruzzano (Smithfield, R.I.) and junior forward Alexandra Amore (Saunderstown, R.I.) combined for seven shots (3; 4) as Rhode Island College lost, 2-0, vs. the University of Saint Joseph in women's soccer action played at Alumni Field on Wednesday evening.
 
THE BASICS
University of Saint Joseph 2, Rhode Island College 0
University of Saint Joseph (2-0)
Rhode Island College (0-4)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• It took nearly the entire first half for either team to find the back of the net as much of the first 45 minutes saw the ball pinball back and forth at midfield.
 
• The Blue Jays broke through in the 38^th minute when junior forward Maxine Muscatello (Berlin, Conn.) won a battle on the near sideline and broke into the box unguarded. She crossed a pass to freshman forward Kelsi Ursini (Groton, Conn.), who then one-touched the ball past RIC freshman goalkeeper Reagan Kerecz (Tolland, Conn.) for her first marker of 2021.
 
• Saint Joseph went into halftime up, 1-0, and leading shots (7-6).
 
• RIC had several opportunities in the box in the both halves, but were unable to get shots off. USJ junior defender Elizabeth Garlock (Meriden, Conn.) was outstanding and made several key plays to prevent scoring chances.
 
• Blue Jay sophomore midfielder Marisa Brough (Cheshire, Conn.) was strong in the midfield throughout the game and her hard work paid off in the 85^th minute. She outworked two Anchorwomen in front of the scorer's table, gained possession and threaded a pass to Muscatello who broke in from the far side and scored her first of the year.
 
BY THE NUMBERS
• Saint Joseph sophomore goalkeeper Victoria Shaffner (Waterbury, Conn.) was strong in net, using her feet throughout the contest to clear the ball, as she stopped five in the win (1-0).
 
• Kerecz stopped seven in the loss (0-4).
 
• USJ led in shots (18-15) and corner kicks (8-2).
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will host WPI on Sunday, Sept. 12 (1 p.m.).