DeCerb wins goalie duel

Sofia DeCerb and Aris Lamanna spent 90 minutes facing each other in a matchup that pitted two prominent local goalkeepers against one another in Conway, S.C.

DeCerb, a Latrobe graduate currently playing for James Madison, recorded three saves as her team defeated Coastal Carolina, 2-1. The result moved her personal record to 9-5-1. Lamanna, a junior for the Chanticleers, also made three saves in the loss, which dropped her record to 8-6-3. Both players stand 5-foot-11.

James Madison, which holds a 9-5-1 overall record and a 7-1-0 mark in Sun Belt Conference play, scored both of its goals in the second half. Coastal Carolina finished the game with an 8-6-3 record and a 2-4-2 conference standing. DeCerb’s performance kept her team in the win, while Lamanna’s efforts were not enough to prevent the defeat.

The victory extends DeCerb’s strong season at James Madison. The team’s performance in the Sun Belt Conference remains strong, with a seven-win streak in conference play. Lamanna’s record reflects a mixed season for Coastal Carolina, which has struggled more in league matches.

DeCerb’s path to this milestone includes her high school career in Latrobe. Her current standing in the Sun Belt Conference places her among the top performers in the region. The physical demands of the match required both goalkeepers to maintain high levels of focus throughout the full regulation time.

The game concluded with James Madison securing the win in a tightly contested match. DeCerb’s three saves were critical in preserving the lead established in the second half. Lamanna’s three saves kept the score close until the final minutes, though the outcome favored the visitors.

DeCerb now stands as the winning goalkeeper in this local rivalry. Her record of 9-5-1 marks a positive trend for her collegiate career. Lamanna continues her season at Coastal Carolina with a record of 8-6-3. The match served as a direct test of skill between two athletes from the same general region.