ND rebounds with win over struggling R’ville

LAWRENCE — With Colonial Valley Conference girls soccer as wellbalanced as it’s ever been, each match becomes a vital one for the division contenders.

First-year coach Amy Hoyer and her Notre Dame girls know that all too well.

So after being bounced from the unbeaten ranks Thursday at Hopewell Valley, and with a huge match at home tomorrow against 5-1 Allentown, the 7-1 Irish weren’t taking any chances against rebuilding Robbinsville last night.

With freshman Julia Panko scoring in each half, ND posted a 3-1 win at Msgr. Walter Nolan Field over the struggling 1-6 Ravens, who had been a CVC power the last three seasons.

Panko’s first goal came six minutes in off Lindsay Tattory’s assist and her clincher came with 9:02 left from Vanessa Romulus’ pass. It gave the rookie seven goals, tying her for the team lead with Romulus.

“She is stepping up to her role and sees the field very well,” Hoyer said of Panko, who got ND off to a fast start before sophomore Jordan Tuttle made it 2-0 seven minutes later.

Christine Levering headed in the Ravens’ goal five minutes after halftime, on the third Robbinsville shot.

“Since the Hopewell loss we have worked on moving the ball around fast and coming back strong,” said Hoyer. “Robbinsville had a lot of energy the second half and put us under pressure.”

Tori Binz and Victoria Fantozzi combined for one ND save, while Emily Risoldi had 20 for R’ville.