Turmel has career game, Griffs fall to Fairfield
By Andrew Nowel, Editor-In-Chief
With fall nearing in, the weather in the northeast continues to feel like summer, but it’s helping freshman keeper Alexa Turmel stay hot in her inaugural season with the Canisius women’s soccer team. Despite dropping a 1-0 result to the Fairfield Stags in Connecticut over the weekend, Turmel stopped two point–blank shots en route to a 15–save performance.
The Stags, who won the regular season title last season, have historically dominated every team in the Metro Conference, and Canisius has been no different. Prior to Saturday’s contest, Fairfield led the all–time series 27–7–1 over the Griffs, so it was going to be an uphill battle for the Blue and Gold. Up until the Stags’ first goal in the 40th minute, Turmel turned away six shots on goal, including the two that highlighted her performance, both coming within 15 minutes.
Lined up for a corner, Fairfield perfectly kicked the ball into the box and found the head of sophomore midfielder Brooke Kennedy, who directed it on goal. Turmel made the point–blank save and kept the score knotted at zero. As the minutes wound down, the Stags kept the pressure up and, once again, forced Turmel to save the game. Junior forward Ashley McMahon broke free inside the 18–yard box, but the shot found the gloves of Turmel for yet another impressive save.
Even though the Stags were able to find the back of the net twice throughout the rest of the game, Turmel still made nine saves, totaling 15 in the game. A freshman from Lévis, Québec, Turmel has made a huge impact for the Griffs. Head Coach Ryan Louis knew from the beginning the talent that Turmel was going to bring to the program.
“She’s a very talented player, which we knew going into scouting her. She’s really mature, a great shot stopper, great distribution with her feet, fierce competitor, great communication and an all-around real stud,” said Louis.
Turmel has made 37 saves on 47 shots on goal while facing 93 attempts. With a goals-against average of 1.43 and a save percentage of .787, the young star has already made a name for herself on the back line of the experienced Canisius defense. With the first two Metro games under her belt, Turmel will look to continue her success as the schedule gets easier after facing the regular season champs, the Stags, and the defending conference champs, the Sacred Heart Pioneers in their conference opener last week.
With the season officially changing next week, the Griffs look to turn their 0–2 Metro record around as they return to Buffalo this weekend to face the Rider Broncs. For Turmel, she will look to continue her strong season as the Blue and Gold look for their first win of the season.
On the doorstep of fall, the Griffs look to get hot before the coolness of fall sweeps them off their feet.
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