University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Women's Soccer Defeats Providence
10/4/1998 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Women's Soccer Defeats Providence
10/4/1998
PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Panther women's soccer team (6-5/5-2) defeated Providence College (2-8/2-6) today, 3-2, in a Big East matchup at Sewickley's Nichols Field. With eight teams moving on to postseason play, five Big East wins give the Panthers playoff hopes.
"I believe today's win should secure a playoff spot for us," said Head Coach Roland Sturk. "We've been playing very well at home, and our preseason goal was to win at least five conference games. I am very happy about today's outcome."
Freshman forward Cande Ruiz (Oxnard, Calif./Santa Clara) had a hand in every goal for Pittsburgh, including the game-winner. Ruiz fed a pass to forward Brigid Handforth (Downington, Pa./Bishop Shanahan)who placed it in the upper right corner of the goal for the first score of the game just 3:11 into the contest. Ruiz followed up with a goal of her own at the 21:45 minute mark. Providence's Patricia Moore brought the game to within one, before Ruiz responded again, with an assist off of midfielder Katrina Shibata (Lakewood, Calif./Mayfair) two minutes before the end of the first half. Moore scored again for Providence 61:51 into the game, but the Panthers held out for the win. Pittsburgh goalkeeper Nicole Bashor (Harrisburg, Pa./Central Dauphin East) recorded nine saves on the day and her sixth win of the season.
Pittsburgh takes on cross-town rival Duquesne on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Pitt Stadium. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
