Chao's Hat Trick Leads Wellesley Soccer Past RPI
TROY, N.Y. – First-year forward Ariel Chao tallied three goals in the second half, including two within minutes of each other, to lift Wellesley College past Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), 3-1, in women's soccer action on Saturday at East Campus Stadium. With the victory, the Blueare now 1-1. The Engineers move to 1-1 with the loss in their home opener.
Facing a 1-0 deficit to open the final 45 minutes of play, Wellesley evened the score with Chao's first tally in the 66th minute. After a punt by the goalie, Chao beat out RPI defender Tonya Frank for the ball before taking a shot from 20-yards out, which sailed past the goalie.
Consistent pressure by the Blue paid-off minutes later on the counter-attack as junior Meredith Roy played the ball through to Chao, who got on a breakaway and was able to send a shot into the low right corner past a diving Stephanie Vargas in the 68th minute.
Despite a number of chances for RPI in the final ten minutes of the match, including back-to-back saves by keeper Sarah Gray on shots from rookies Brooke Van Baush and Alex Shaw, the Engineers were unable to get any closer.
Wellesley wrapped up the game's scoring in the 86th minute as Chao chipped a shot over Vargas at the top of the box off a pass from first-year Emily Wilson.
Rensselaer dominated action in the first half, grabbing a 1-0 advantage just over a minute into the contest. Navigating down the near side, rookie Sarah Rothschild sent a short cross into the middle of the box to sophomore Shannon Maguire. Wasting little time, Maguire fired a high kick toward Gray, who just missed the save as it grazed off her fingers and in under the crossbar.
In goal, Gray posted nine shots for the victory, while junior Erin Simons had a great defensive save mid-way through the second half. For Rensselaer, Vargas finished with three stops. In the game, RPI held the advantage in shots (18-8) and corners (6-2).
The Engineers return to action next weekend, when they head to Schenectady to compete in the Dutchwomen Classic. RPI faces Westfield State on Saturday and New Paltz on Sunday. Both games begin at 1pm. Wellesley is back on the pitch on Tuesday at Endicott for a 6pm match.
Courtesy RPI Sports Information