Erin Richards ’15
Sports Editor
First year, Alanna Lynch is the leading goalie in the NEWMAC conference, with 102 goals stopped this season. She is followed by Clark’s goalie with 87 saves. In her first season as a pioneer, Lynch has proved herself an essential part of Smith’s team. Lynch has played and started in every game this season. She has been playing soccer since she was in first grade, and had the position of goalie since the sixth grade. Alanna says, “The most important aspect of the position is to remember not to let the pressure get to you. Being the last line of defense means you are required to always give 100 percent.”
When asked which game was the highlight of the season Lynch replied, “Brandeis, because even though we lost 1-0, I felt really confident. I think the team played strong as a whole, and I felt it is the best I have played all season.” Lynch had seven saves in the Brandeis game, making her saving percentage 87.5. In the past week the Pioneers had two competitive games. The first game the Pioneers defeated WPI, 3-1 on Oct. 22. Jordan Houston (’16) scored her first hat-trick and Lynch had sixteen saves, her highest of the season. The second game, on Oct. 26, against Wellesley was an unfortunate loss for the Pioneers with a final score of 1-0. Wellesley’s Kyla Petrie scored the only goal of the game at the 85th minute. Lynch saved five previous goals, making it a close and competitive game. Looking towards the week ahead, the final games of the conference season will be played against Mount Holyoke and Wheaton. Said Lynch, “I am confident about the rest of the season. We have been playing really well against top ranked teams, so as a team we feel strong. We also want to give our seniors the opportunity to play in the championship.” The two final games will determine whether the Pioneers enter the NEWMAC championship the following week.
