Charles Nailen/The Hoya Junior defender Liza Yannuzzi (3)and Hoya goalkeeper Alexis George stop an American University attacker.

The Georgetown women’s soccer team finished up its four-game home stand on a high note with wins over local rivals American and James Madison. On Wednesday the Hoyas outlasted the Eagles 3-2 in double overtime, upping their record to 7-4. Freshman midfielder Nicole DePalma was credited with the game-winner at the 107th minute as American layers deflected her corner kick off their goalie and into the net.

Last Sunday, the Hoyas got back on track after a tough loss to Rutgers and won 2-0 over the Dukes of James Madison at Harbin Field.

“I’m pleased with the results and we’ve had lady luck on our side,” Head Coach Diane Drake said. “We’re clearly a better team than last year.”

Georgetown burst out of the gates in its match-up against American. Only five minutes into the first half, sophomore forward Jessie Beers-Altman fired a shot past Eagle goalkeeper Jen Liese for her third goal of the season.

The Hoyas struck again 11 minutes into the second half as sophomore forward Courtney Shaub found net for her second goal of the year. Freshman midfielder Liz Roberti, who played impressively in both contests, set up Shaub’s goal with a cross pass at the 56th minute. For Roberti, it was her team-leading fifth assist of the year.

With the two-goal lead and less than a half to play, Georgetown forgot that the game was not over. At the 61st minute, American got on the board with a goal from Katie Moore. Just two minutes later, oore took advantage of Georgetown’s miscues on defense and got another shot past sophomore goalkeeper Alexis George for the game-tying goal.

“We were up 2-0, and we just stopped playing,” Drake said. “The defense broke down in the midfield.”

Just like that, the Hoyas saw their intimidating two-goal lead disappear, and they fought to keep the score the way it was throughout the rest of the second half.

In the extra session, Georgetown managed to regain its composure and resume the dominance it had displayed in the first 57 minutes of the contest. With some help from lady luck, DePalma’s corner kick somehow found its way past Eagle reserve goalkeeper Jessica Bonnell for her first goal of the season.

As in its game against American, Georgetown jumped to an early lead against James Madison last Sunday. However, it maintained its lead for the rest of the game for an impressive shutout win.

The Hoyas delivered the fatal blow only seven minutes into the game as Liz Roberti got her first goal of the season unassisted.

Less than 10 minutes later, Roberti set up sophomore midfielder Jen Choiniere for Georgetown’s second point of the contest. Choiniere beat James Madison goalie Suzanne Wilson for her third goal of the year. With the pass, Roberti notched her fourth assist of the season.

“Liz was on fire in the first half,” Drake said. “She’s a fantastic attacker as well as a fantastic defender.”

The Hoyas did not display the same energy in the second half, but they played well enough to hold off a Duke comeback. Georgetown senior goalkeeper Shereena Chang performed solidly, blocking five shots for her second shutout of the year. Chang also benefited from a strong defense led by sophomore defender Alyssa Conlow.

“Conlow had an outstanding game in the back,” Drake said. “She’s a defensive mainstay and she makes very good decisions.”

Georgetown outshot James Madison 16-11 and dominated in corner kicks 7-2.

Sunday’s game against James Madison was Georgetown’s first since Sept. 28 against Rutgers. In that contest, the Hoyas scored two late goals in the second half but fell short of the comeback, losing 3-2.

“It was enough time to mentally heal,” Drake said. “We had a couple of lackluster practices, but last Friday’s practice was better and Saturday’s was good.”

“We took a few days off, took it slow, and we worked hard to come out strong,” Roberti said.

Starting today at Boston College, Georgetown faces a tough three-game road trip against Big East Conference teams.

“We just have to take care of it game by game,” Drake said. “They’re all 50-50 matches.”

With only one win in conference play, the Hoyas look to improve on that record. After today’s game, they travel to Providence on Sunday and then to Seton Hall Oct. 19.

Team Schedules/Rosters 2001 Women’s Soccer Schedule | Roster