Tues., Oct. 27, 2009

  FORT WAYNE, Ind. -- Sounding just like a coach, University of Saint Francis senior goal-keeper Sara Schlotterback said she just took each minute at a time, each shot at a time.

   Schlotterback finished what she started posting eight saves and a whitewash in the Lady Cougars' 3-0 win over Bethel College on Senior Day at Coonan Field. Just as appropriate in the spirit of the day, seniors Hilary Powers and Sara Glassley scored the first two goals of the game and freshman Jordan Kyle offered a glimpse into the future added a third goal for USF.

   "This is most definitely the dirtiest I've ever been after playing in four years here," Schlotterback said with a laugh, mud caked on her legs and arms after several diving stops and deflections. In her first start this season, in fact, her first playing time, she redefined senior security to help USF win for the second time in 10 home games.

   "I was just told to play as long as you got, as well as you got, and with all your heart," Schlotterback said. "It's awesome to get a shutout. I didn't expect it. I just played minute to minute, I'm gonna do it. Prevent as many shots as I can . . . if they are gonna cross it in front of me, I'm gonna take it."

   Schlotterback has had surgery on both knees and she said she's been kind of iffy this season. She played in five matches her freshman year posting a 0.93 goals-against-average while earning two shutouts. But injuries have severely limited her playing time since.

   Powers didn't wasted much time giving Schlotterback a lead to work with scoring an unassisted goal just 1:02 into the match. Schlotterback made five saves in the first half to retain that 1-goal advantage at halftime. Glassley booted USF to a 2-0 lead at 53:58 when she beat Elyse Powell to the goalie's right after securing a pass from fellow senior Erin Frolicher. Kyle knocked in a goal at 86:09 when Powell couldn't corral the ball near the top of the box.

  Along with Schlotterback, Powers, Glassley and Frolicher, Jessica Taghon and Kara Schultheis were recognized for their contributions to the Lady Cougar program before the match (and the rain) and afterwards in the east foyer at Hutzell Athletic Center. Glassley's goal was the 25th of her career in her 63rd match. Schultheis played in her 78th match, Taghon her 79th.

  "Sara did a tremendous job and I couldn't be happier for her," USF head coach Christy Young said. "She's always positive and encouraging, and she has persevered and worked hard to be ready whenever the call comes."

  "A great ending to my senior year," she said with a smile.