The women's soccer team rebounded from back-to-back losses against University Athletic Association opponents the University of Chicago and Washington University in St. Louis with a 1-0 win at home against non-conference foe Lesley University on Thursday night.

Prior to their last three games, in which they went 0-2-1, the Judges conceded merely two goals the season, both of which came during a loss against Bowdoin College. During their three-game winless stretch, the Judges surrendered eight goals, albeit the Chicago game was more competitive than the six goals conceded might have suggested.

The Judges' defense allowed Lesley only two shots on goal. Both were easily saved by goalies Michelle Savuto '15 and Francine Kofinas '13.

"Lesley is a very good team that is physical and tough. We controlled the game and played well," coach Denise Dallamora said.

Midfielder Alec Spivack '15 scored her first goal of the season in the 34th minute, which proved to be the decisive goal. After a Brandeis player was fouled 20 yards from the goal, Spivack launched the resulting free-kick around the wall and into the bottom-left corner of the net, causing celebration from the crowd and her teammates.

The Judges had several other opportunities to extend their lead, many of which involved forward Dara Spital '15. The striker continually weaved her way through a confused Lesley defense, which did not seem acclimated to the pace or trickery that the former Division I player possessed. Three other Brandeis players - Mary Shimko '14, Alyssa Fenenbock '15 and Sapir Edalati '15, had efforts on goal that were saved.

The Judges had several chances in the 20th minute, when Fenenbock fired two shots, one that hit the post and the other that was saved.

Moments like these were the crux of the Judges mid-season slump; despite playing well, they failed to key in on their good plays by converting possession and chances into goals.

"We played well in these games, but were not able to capitalize on the chances that we created," said Dallamora.

The Judges' lack of efficiency in their finishing has denied them victories in games in which they have otherwise played very well and arguably deserved to win. In the Oct. 6 game against Case Western Reserve University, the Judges shot a whopping 29 times-nine of which were on goal-but came up with zero goals.

Then, in the next game against the University of Chicago, they shot 12 times, but only came up with one goal. Finally, against Washington University at St. Louis, they fired 11 shots, completing only once.

While Brandeis' 11-3-1 record is partly due to Spital's nine goals and the team's early-season offensive prowess, its defense has been enormously effective this season, allowing it to win numerous one-goal games and other close matches.
However, rather than singling out one particular defender for being exceptional, the team has been defending well as a unit, which is a key component in achieving defensive success.

And, with the exception of center back Kelly Peterson '14, all of the team's defensive starters-center back Allyson Parziale '16, left back Haley Schachter '16 and right back Emma Eddy '15-are all in the first two years of their careers, pointing towards defense being the winning formula for years to come.

Given the potential for a NCAA Division III tournament bid (although the team won't know the status of that until November), the Judges enter their last four games with a lot on the line.
Dallamora is fully aware of this and is looking to have the Judges fine-tune their play at both ends of the field.

"The teams [that we will be facing] in the UAA are tougher than many of the non-conference teams that we have faced so far this season, so we need to play harder," she said.

The Judges have a big week ahead, starting with a home non-conference game against Lasell College tonight at 7 p.m.
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