Kelli Bryant once again spearheaded the squad to a hard-fought 3-2 overtime win over New Mexico last Friday. The Dons charged out to a 2-0 lead early in the second half behind two scores by Abel, both assisted by freshman midfielder Stephanie Steinhart. The second goal, only four minutes into the second half, was created by a run by Steinhart on the left side and a pass back to Abel, who lifted a shot over the UNM keeper from six yards out. The Lobos (2-6-0) charged back, however, and answered only three minutes later with a goal of their own, the first that USF has allowed all season.
Individually, sophomore forward Jannik Abel finished sixth in the region in scoring with 36 points (13 goals, 10 assists) with Bryant not far behind with 33 points (13 goals, 7 assists), good for ninth in the West. Together, they were the third-highest scoring duo on the third-highest scoring team, both regional rankings. Also, talented freshmen such as defender Mary O'Donnell, midfielders Stephanie Steinhart and Heather Wright, and forwards Erin Killough and Amy Yamamoto received significant playing time and much needed game experience.
"Kelli Bryant had an outstanding game along with Stephanie Steinhart and Colette Hanlon," Verhees said. "Patricia Simons did a good job marking MacMillan and Sarah Lang had a great second half (TheFoghorn).
