BRIGHTON, Mass. – Simmons soccer (1-6-1, 1-5-1 GNAC) tallies its first draw of the 2024 campaign as they engaged in a defensive thriller with St. Joseph's College of Maine (1-8-1, 1-6-1 GNAC) under the lights of Daly Field on Tuesday night.
 
Soon after kickoff, it was clear this one was going to be a defensive match, as neither side could find any momentum early on. The first half remained scoreless, thanks in part to a big time save by first year goalkeeper Mikaela Marie Javar as the Monks had gotten behind the defense. 
 
After the teams came out of the break, the intensity picked up from both sides. The Sharks came close to striking first after scoring chances from graduate senior Cerys Balmer and sophomore midfielder Lauren Krupnikoff. Instead, it was the Monks who found the back of the net first with a goal with just under 20 minutes remaining. 
 
It did not take long for the Sharks to strike back, as just three minutes later Balmer was able to deflect a corner kick from Krupnikoff into the back of the net and just like that the Sharks were rejuvenated. After yet another save from Javar in the final minutes to send a breakaway shot from the Monks awry, the Sharks could not knock home another one, and settled for a hard fought draw in this GNAC battle. 
 
SIMMONS HIGHLIGHTS

• Graduate Senior Cerys Balmer records another goal as well as a season high with 10 shots 
• First year midfielder Elena Sheth came off the bench in the second half and provided spark to the Sharks 
• Sophomore midfielder Lauren Krupnikoff tallied three shots and an assist  

UP NEXT
The Sharks return to the pitch this Saturday as they travel to Dean College for a 1 p.m. kickoff.