Posted Saturday, April 22, 2006, The OG, sports

Freshman Joy Shapley scored with six minutes left in the first half to give Uni the only goal it would need in its 1-0 victory over visiting Monticello on Friday.

The win, Uni's second in two days, raises the team's record to 3-9.

Sophomore Shara Esbenshade assisted on the goal.

“Shara dribbled it down the side of the field and sent a cross right in front of the goal,” said senior co-captain Roveiza Irfan. “Someone whiffed it, and the ball kept rolling across the face of the goal. Joy ran in and got a finish on it on the weak side.”

The only possible downside to the win occurred with 2:25 remaining in the game. Sophomore Suran Yoo, whose six goals on the season rank second in the area, got free on a breakaway but ran into Monticello's goalie.

“Suran had to be helped off the field due to knee pain,” Irfan said. “She was able to walk later, but it's still a slight cause for concern.”

Despite the close score, the Illineks dominated the 2-8-1 Sages for most of the game, launching 21 shots on goal (and seven more that went wide of the net), while holding Monticello to just eight shots. Junior goalie Mandy Grill recorded her second shutout of the year.

“The sophomores on the team came out big today,” Irfan said. “Suran, Shara, and Sarah Pfander had complete control over the forward, midfield, and defensive positions, respectively. The three of them just had amazing intensity and displayed an incredible amount of skill; they will be astonishing as seniors.”

The girls host Mahomet-Seymour on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. The game will be played at the U of I Division of Campus Recreation Complex at Florida and Lincoln avenues, Urbana.

Visit the team's home page for a complete schedule of 2006 games.

— Gargoyle staff