Keuka women’s soccer delivered its biggest offensive performance in years Saturday, scoring seven unanswered goals to cruise past SUNY ESF at the Jephson Community Athletic Complex and remain unbeaten through two games.
Six different players found the back of the net for the Wolves, with Lydia Lane leading the way with two goals. Anna Leone added a goal and two assists, while Samantha Bates and Jessica Miller each recorded a goal and an assist. Bailey Cook and Sophia Watkins also scored for Keuka.
The Wolves took control in the 14th minute when Bates sent a pass through the SUNY ESF defense to Cook, who ran onto the ball, maneuvered around the goalkeeper and finished to give Keuka the lead.
Keuka continued to dictate play and doubled its advantage when Leone’s cross found Miller at the back post. Miller then set up Watkins several minutes later, with Watkins placing her shot inside the left post from the edge of the box to make it a three-goal game at halftime.
The Wolves kept their foot on the gas after the break. Lane scored twice during the opening 12 minutes of the second half to stretch Keuka’s advantage. Leone then followed with a long-range finish for her fourth point of the afternoon.
Sam Bates capped the scoring in the 65th minute with another shot from distance. The SUNY ESF goalkeeper got a hand to the attempt but could not keep it out.
The victory marked Keuka’s first meeting with SUNY ESF and its highest-scoring game since a nine-goal performance against Wells College in 2019. Miller and Watkins each recorded their first collegiate goals, while Leone now has six points through the opening week of the season.
Payton Malec and Lily Green combined for the shutout.
Keuka begins a five-game homestand Tuesday when it hosts Alfred State College under the lights at 7 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.