Albany, N.Y. (September 4, 2006)-The Manhattan Lady Jaspers improved to 3-0-0 on Labor Day Monday with a 4-0 shutout over the University at Albany in the state capital.
The Lady Jaspers have yet to allow a goal this season in their three matches. Against the Great Danes they had plenty of offense to complement their stifling defense, scoring four times, two coming from freshman Alexandra Konneker.
With no score in the 32nd minute, the Newtown, Conn. native tallied her first collegiate goal, on a shot from the left side that beat Great Danes keeper Ashley Neussle with Courtney McMahon picking up her third assist of the season on the play.
Just two minutes into the second half, Konneker struck again. Freshman Amanda McCormick got the play started with a pass in the goalie box to Amanda Fischer, whose crossing pass to Konneker was deposited into the back of the net.
With a 2-0 lead, the Lady Jaspers extended their lead in the 62nd minute when senior Katie Kuntz scored for the third time this season off a rebound, with McCormick picking up the assist. Manhattan continued their offensive onslaught with Kimarie Balistierri's first goal of her college career and second point of the season, dribbling from the right side and firing a shot that beat the keeper. Junior Rachel Pannullo notched her first point of the season with an assist on the play.
Goalkeepers Alicia DeFino and Caitlin Trupiano continued their string of clean sheets this season, stifling the Great Danes, and continuing their goal less streak to over 280 minutes. In improving their record to 3-0, the Lady Jaspers have now outscored their opponents 8-0, and have yet to trail in a game in the young season.
The Lady Jaspers return to action on Friday at 4 p.m. when they play their home opener against NJIT.