Box Score NOTRE DAME, Ind. – It turned out to be a milestone day for Albion College first-year players Maggie Troost and Sam LaRocca.
Troost, the goalkeeper who prepped at Traverse City West High School, collected three saves to gain her first collegiate shutout, and LaRocca, a midfielder from Clinton Township, scored off a free kick from the top of the box for her first collegiate game-winning goal in the 92nd minute to lift the Britons to a 1-0 victory over Saint Mary's College in a Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association women's soccer contest.
"Sam did a real good job composing herself before taking the free kick," Albion Coach Eric Scott said after his squad improved to 6-3-1 overall and 2-3-1 in contests against league rivals. "She hit a well placed shot over the wall and into the top left corner.
"It was a total team effort today," Scott added.
Despite placing just three shots on goal, Saint Mary's had several scoring chances. The Belles earned a pair of corner kicks in the 34th minute after Maggie McLauglin's shot was blocked and they were credited with two more shots – one blocked and the other sailing wide of the goal – in the 42nd minute. Troost made two saves in the second half.
Albion pressed to tally a goal late in regulation, but a shot by Jenna Urso went over the goal and LaRocca had a shot blocked. Caroline Eagan took a corner kick in the 90th minute, but the Britons could not get a shot off.
LaRocca scored on the only shot in overtime. It was her third goal of the season.
Albion returns home Saturday for a 12 p.m. contest against Trine University at Alumni Field.
