BENNETT'S FLAWLESS OUTING OFF BENCH KEY IN ST. PAUL'S SOCCER WIN

Goalie notches six saves in relief as Gators blank Severn, 1-0

If this had been baseball, it would have been like bringing a reliever in early in the game and getting a shutout the rest of the way.  St. Paul�??s Katie Bennett did just that, providing key relief in yesterday�??s B-Conference soccer match at Severn, as the sophomore goalie came off the bench and recorded six saves, and the Gators came away with a 1-0 win.

Head Coach Doug Blair had to turn to Bennett, the backup keeper, in relief of an injured Leslee Hefner 10 minutes into the game.  Blair awarded Bennett the game MVP, and said �??Katie played outstanding, notched six key saves over the remaining 70 minutes,�?� as St. Paul�??s School for Girls (1-3-2) secured its first league win of the season.


After a scoreless first half, St. Paul's came out agressive and quick at the start of the second half when freshman Jessica Van Dyke found the back of the net with her third goal of the season. 

That would be the game�??s lone score, as Bennett and the efficient defenders in front of her combined to shut down the Severn offense the rest of the way.

After starting the season with three straight losses, the Gators got two ties versus non-conference opponents.  Saturday�??s win showed the team�??s continued overall recent improvement. 

A big test looms for Blair and his squad on Tuesday when they travel to Harford County for a match with always-tough C. Milton Wright.  They return to league play on Thursday, hosting St. John�??s Catholic Prep.

Severn dropped to 1-3-1 overall, and will travel to St. John�??s on Tuesday.

St. Paul�??s SfG 1, Severn 0
Goal: SP-VanDyke.
Saves: SP-Bennett 6; S n/a.
Half: 0-0.

--Mike Buchanan