Jessica Graziano, during spring action, scored for the Red Storm. (Photo courtesy of St. John’s)
The St. John’s University women completed their preseason schedule Friday evening, defeating Army West Point, 3-2, to finish 2-0.
Three Johnnies found the back of the net. Jessica Garziano, the Red Storm’s leading scorer from the spring season, scored first on an unassisted goal in the 29th minute. Freshman Jadyn Rupnow and sophomore Nicole Gordon converted goals for the second time this preseason. Rupnow broke through in the 70th minute and Gordon in the 89th off an assist from Isabelle Aviza.
On Aug. 9, the Red Storm kicked off exhibition action with a 2-1 victory over Rider University at Belson Stadium, as the two squads played three 30-minute periods. The Johnnies controlled the offense in the early stanza, boasting a 6-3 advantage on shots, including a 3-0 edge in attempts on goal following the first 30 minutes of play.
After 42 minutes of scoreless action for both programs, the Red Storm got on the board first off a goal from Gordon. Aviza, a native of Medway, Mass., assisted on the tally.
Halfway through the third period, St. John’s added to its lead. Rupnow, the freshman from Oconomowoc, Wis., rocketed a shot from just outside the 18-yard box past Rider’s goalkeeper to put the Johnnies up, 2-0.
he Broncs did not go down quietly, scoring in the 82nd minute to make it a one-goal game.
With under five minutes left, the Johnnies saw one final attempt on goal, as Gordon launched a missile towards the top of the cage. The Amityville, N.Y., native’s shot was deflected by the keeper.
St. John’s will kick off the fall season vs. NJIT at Belson Thursday.
