Balanced attack leads Brandeis past Clark, 3-1

WORCESTER, MA (Taken from a Clark University press release) - Three different players scored in a combined effort to lead Brandeis University to a 3-1 victory over Clark University in a non-conference women’s soccer game Saturday in front of a Homecoming crowd.

With the loss, Clark falls to 1-4 on the season, while Brandeis improves to 2-2.

Brandeis took the lead in the first half when senior forward Lisa Kaplin (Armonk, N.Y.) netted a shot at the 19:46 mark. It was Kaplin's fourth goal of the season and the 30th of her career, making her just the fifth Judge in school history to reach that milestone.

The Cougars were quick to respond, however, with Amanda Ramos (Williston Park, N.Y.) scoring on a pass from Kari Mruz (Hingham, Mass.) at 23:53.

Brandeis regained the lead on a shot by Jenna Lipawsky (Parkland, Fla.) from 18-yards out that lofted over goalkeeper Nolizwe Nondabula (Hayward, CA) at the 32:16 mark. It was the first goal of the sophomore's career. The Judges would hold their one-goal lead (2-1) into the half.

Both teams had several chances early in the second stanza. The Cougars had a pair of corners within the first ten minutes, but were unable to convert. Brandeis was awarded a free kick at the 55:26 mark, but Sarah Jasak’s (Middletown, N.J.) shot sailed over the net. Sophomore Meredith Milstein (Waterford, Mich.) scored on Melissa Gordon’s (Islip, N.Y.) assist at 80:22 to put the game out of reach. Brandeis out-shot the Cougars 14-7.

Nondabula recorded eight saves for the Cougars, while Brandeis keeper Hilary Rosenzweig (Boca Raton, Fla.) notched six for Brandeis.

Clark will take on Union College at home on Tuesday (6 p.m.), while Brandeis heads to Wellesley that same day (4 p.m.).