Bolling, Goins Combine for Shutout

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - On a day where the Yale defense shined, it was only appropriate that a back got the chance to score the game-winning goal. Sophomore Erin Carter's tally off a penalty corner 1:44 into overtime gave Yale a thrilling 1-0 win and handed Cornell its first loss of the season. To knock off the unbeaten Big Red, the Bulldogs had to overcome a tough goalie -- Melanie Jue made seven saves in the second half -- and a late yellow card that left them playing short-handed into overtime.

Cornell (7-1, 2-1 Ivy League) had won its first seven games this season, and 14 of 15 dating back to last season. The Big Red's only loss in that span was also the only time it had been shut out prior to Saturday. The Bulldogs achieved the feat with the tag team of junior Katie Bolling and senior Charlotte Goins splitting the goalkeeping duties.

"Katie Bolling did very well in the first half, and Charlotte did the same in the second half," said head coach Pam Stuper. "It's great for our team to earn a shutout. This is a very good Cornell team, and they're very good on attack."

Carter's goal, assisted by senior midfielder Katie Cantore, gives her three in the last three games. She had two career goals before that stretch.

"Erin Carter and Erica Cullum played very well in the backfield for us," said head coach Pam Stuper. "We didn't allow Cornell to generate the attack they usually do. That's a tribute to Erin and Erica, as well as Marissa Waldemore and Julia Weiser."

The game-winning play came despite Yale being down one player thanks to a yellow card on Cullum at 69:35. Stuper opted to play with one less forward, sending senior back Stephanie Colantonio in to bolster the defense. The Bulldogs made it through the final 25 seconds of regulation, then immediately went on the offensive in overtime. Cantore, sophomore midfielder Dinah Landshut and senior forward Ashley McCauley kept the ball in Yale's control right from the pass back, and the Bulldogs quickly drew the corner that yielded Carter's game-winner.

Jue, who was a first team All-Ivy League pick a year ago, entered the game with an .880 save percentage and a 0.71 goals-against average. The Bulldogs were eventually able to get one past her after outshooting Cornell 17-13 and earning 13 penalty corners to just nine for the Big Red. The Bulldogs allowed just three shots on goal, with two stopped by Bolling and one stopped by Goins.

Yale (6-3, 2-1 Ivy League) plays at No.9 UMass Sunday at 3:00 p.m. This is Yale's best record nine games into the season since the 1998 team started 7-2 en route to setting the school record for wins with 15.

Report by Sam Rubin '95 (sam.rubin@yale.edu), Yale Sports Publicity