Columbia, MO – The Stars prevailed last night in their quarterfinal match up against William Woods 1-0. It was the first victory over Woods in program history. In a see saw game where both teams had chances, late in the second half Anya Castelli recovered her own corner kick when Lois Landreth alertly slid the ball back out to her. Castelli dribbled and then played the ball expertly across the goal with her left foot to the far post and Kailee Wisber was able to pounce and notch the game's only goal.
"To advance to the semifinal is a great moment in history for our program" said Coach Bruce Palmbaum.
The backline of Isabel Massud, Melissa Martinez, Lily Cook and Lois Landreth held together to provide the necessary coverage to thwart Woods' attacks. The midfield of Castelli, Nea Blackham and Paulina Oettl controlled the ball to break the lines of Woods' pressure, but it was when Devin Dowell was inserted into the defensive mid position that the game changed. "Devin made a huge difference for us tonight. She won ball but she also made good passes. For me, she was the player of the match. Her selfless play is what allowed our midfield and attack to operate the way they did." said Coach Palmbaum.
Lois Landreth and Kailee Wisber, named to the first team All-Conference team earlier in the day dominated play. Wisber, pestering the Owls defense with 3 shots and 1 goal, while Landreth selflessly defended for the Stars at the other end.
"Today is great day to be a Star. It didn't happen by chance, during the season Devin Dowell, along with Mel Martinez, Lois Landreth, Anya Castelli, Cailey Foss, and Isabel Massud really fought hard to keep the team together through a difficult non-conference schedule and injury" said Coach Palmbaum. "It also doesn't hurt that our unsung hero, goalkeeper Cordelia Dallam, played a fantastic game."
The Stars face number one seed Columbia College on Monday in the AMC semifinal match. Nationally ranked, Columbia College defeated the Stars 7-0 earlier in the season and ran over UHSP in their quarterfinal match up 10-0. The semifinal match up will be held at Columbia College at 6:00 pm.
