RADFORD, Va. – The Emory & Henry College Women's Soccer Team (0-0, 0-0 SAC) got the 2023 season underway on Thursday evening with an exhibition match at Radford University (1-0, 0-0 Big South). It was an official contest for the NCAA Division I Highlanders, who claimed a 4-0 win over the visiting Wasps.
The match marked the first time that E&H has played a Division I side in women's soccer since a regular-season test against Virginia Military Institute on November 2, 2003.
The Basics
FINAL SCORE – Radford 4, Emory & Henry 0
LOCATION – Radford, Virginia
VENUE – Patrick D. Cupp Memorial Stadium
RECORDS – Emory & Henry (0-0, 0-0 SAC); Radford (1-0, 0-0 Big South)
How It Happened
After nearly 30 minutes of solid defense by E&H including a pair of skillful saves by sophomore goalkeeper Adriana Rehg (Talbott, Tenn.) the Highlanders finally broke through late in the 29th minute. Alexeis Kirnos hit a turnaround shot from the top of the box that slipped through Rehg's hands into the net.
Radford pushed the margin to 2-0 at the half, scoring with 3:18 on the clock. Elieen Albers found Ashley Loundermon with a pass across the 18-yard box and Loundermon sent it back the way it came to carom perfectly off the left post and into the net.
Early in the second, RU pushed the lead to 3-0 as Amy Swain played a pass through traffic to the foot of Lilly Short, who poked it to the right-upper 90 with 33:39 remaining.
The Highlanders extended their advantage to 4-0 late in the 66th minute as Hunter Rosenburg served up a ball for Helena Willson for the score from 20-plus yards out. Radford had a chance to make it 5-0 moments later after earning a penalty kick, but the attempt sailed high and the final 4-0 margin would hold.
Emory & Henry Individual Leaders
Junior forward Olivia Haynes (Spotsylvania, Va.) and sophomore midfielder Hailey Hamilton (Elkwood, Va.) both tallied attempts on target for the Wasps.
Rehg had a strong outing between the pipes, making 10 saves, despite allowing four goals against her Division I opponents.
Radford Individual Leaders
Kirnos and Short led the Highlanders with one goal on six shots each. Jordan Phillips earned the shutout, making two saves as she played the full 90 minutes in goal.
Up Next
Emory & Henry has two preseason scrimmages before officially kicking off the year against Shaw University on Thursday, August 31. Kickoff between the Wasps and Bears will be at 5:00 p.m., at Fred Selfe Stadium.
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