Lady Cougars Put Forth Strong Performances

Women's Soccer Sharp Versus Region's Top Team

(Holyoke, MA / Warwick, RI) - Women's soccer put forth an admirable effort on Wednesday afternoon, playing host to the region's top team CC of Rhode Island. The Lady Cougars fell 1-0, conceding a penalty kick for the game's lone goal. In their previous matchup away against Rhode Island, the Cougars held onto to a 0-0 tie with just seven minutes left to play before a catastrophic ending that included two penalty kick goals against. 

Goalkeeper Donna Viel (Woronoco, MA / Gateway Regional HS) was sensational for Holyoke in the games against CCRI, as she has been the entire season. Viel made a season high 21 saves in each game, including several of the spectacular fashion. She has been among the top five in the nation in saves made throughout the year. With ball possession and creating offense being the Lady Cougars' Achilles heel, the team's defense has had to be sharp. The defenders have done a remarkable job of trying to keep opponents' scoring chances coming from the least dangerous areas. 

Women's soccer is 1-4 in regional games and 0-4 in non-region games. They are optimistic that they can win several of their upcoming games. Their next home game will be on Wednesday, October 18th at 4pm against local rival Springfield Technical CC. Holyoke has not lost to STCC since 2008. Let's go Cougars! 

Photo: Viel gets ready to distribute the ball during Wednesday's game.