HIRAM, Ohio – The Washington and Jefferson College women's soccer team (3-2, 1-0) opened Presidents' Athletic Conference play with a 3-0 victory over the Hiram Terriers (1-4, 0-1).
Junior
Alexa Taylor (Aliquippa, Pa./OLSH) led the Presidents with a goal and five total shots, all of which were on target. Senior captain
Maura Heberle (Georgetown, Pa./South Side Beaver) also netted her first goal of the season and had four total shots. Sophomore
Katelyn Burley (Pittsburgh, Pa./North Hills) also had four total shots and recorded an assist.
W&J got off to a strong start offensively as the team took a 2-0 lead after only six minutes of play. Heberle got the Presidents the early 1-0 lead in the third minute with Burley recording her assist. Taylor doubled the W&J lead in the sixth minute following an assist from sophomore
Natalie Faingnaert (McMurray, Pa./Peters Township).
The Presidents took this early momentum and continued to be on the front foot for the rest of the opening half. The Presidents recorded 14 shots in the opening 45 minutes, forcing the Terrier netminder to make six saves. The Red & Black also had seven corner kicks in the opening frame and went into the locker room holding on to their two-goal advantage.
W&J continued to control possession throughout the final 45 minutes. The Presidents continued to record an additional 15 shots in the second half, forcing the Hiram goalkeeper to make an additional seven saves. Junior
Madison Rose (Butler, Pa./Butler) rounded out the W&J scoring by converting a penalty kick in the 76
th minute. The conversion was Rose's first goal of the season. The Red & Black held on to take the 3-0 win on the road.
Defensively, the Presidents only allowed seven Terrier shots throughout the contest. Senior
Molly Schoch (Burgettstown, Pa./Burgettstown) played all 90 minutes between the goalposts and recorded two saves. The victory was Schoch's first shutout of the season.
The Presidents return to the pitch on Saturday (Sept. 19) when they host the Allegheny Gators. Kickoff from Alexandre Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
