ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Junior midfielder
Nadia Zaffanella and senior forward
Katrina Santelli both found the back of the net in Lafayette's 2-0 win at Navy on Friday night. The Leopards' triumph marked their first over the Mids since the 2016 season (Oct. 23).
The hosts came out of the gate with a high press that pinned the Maroon and White back in the first 10 minutes of the match. Nonetheless, junior goalkeeper
Catherine Apker and Lafayette's back line held strong. The Homer, N.Y. native made her first save of the evening in the 12
th minute, putting a stop to Helen Bonner's attempt on frame.
April McDonald had a half chance for the Leopards in the 20
th minute, but her strike soared high and wide of Natasha Stramrood's goal. Five minutes later the visitors had a clear look on goal off of a set piece. Lafayette had just won a corner and junior
Ava Murphy was tracking the service. The Liberal Arts major beat her opponent to the ball, but her header just floated over the crossbar.
The match opened up significantly near the 30-minute mark, as both teams looked to capitalize in transition. Navy had a great opportunity in the 42
nd minute, but Katia Katsari-Hoefer was unable to keep her strike on goal.
In the 43
rd minute, the Leopards broke the deadlock. Senior forward
Ashley Martinho was battling with a Navy midfielder when she managed to slip Zaffanella through on goal. The Ellington, Conn. native then cleverly maneuvered her way around two defenders and tucked the ball past a helpless Stramrood. Friday's match winner was Zafanella's sixth tally of the season.
At the intermission, the Leopards remained on top with a 1-0 advantage.
Navy had a solid chance in the 49
th minute when the ball fell to Marlee Heaven in the penalty area. The forward received the ball on the half turn and was prepared to shoot, but sophomore
Ava Fix made a key block to keep the Mids off the board.
One of the goals of the season was scored in the 57
th minute. Freshman midfielder
Era Methoxha had just won the ball back for Lafayette when the ball fell to Santelli just inside her own half. The Pepper Pike, Ohio native proceeded to skate past several Navy defenders before beating Stramrood at her near post to double Lafayette's lead.
The Mids applied immense pressure in the final half hour, but
Mick Statham's side defended well down the stretch. At the final whistle, the Leopards emerged with their second Patriot League win in 2025.
Apker made it back-to-back matches with 10 saves, five of which were made in the final 30 minutes of the matchup with Navy.
The Maroon and White return to Gummeson Grounds: Home of Mike Bourger '44 Field at Oaks Stadium at 7 p.m. on Wednesday for a clash with archrival Lehigh to conclude regular-season play.
To keep up with the Lafayette women's soccer program, follow its social media pages.
X/@Lafayette_WSOC | Instagram/@lafayettewsoc | Facebook/GoLeopards
