Buena Vista, Va. – The Southern Virginia University women's soccer team earned its first win of the season Friday night, defeating Eastern Mennonite University 4-2 in a rainy and physical contest.
The Knights took control early, with Ashley Hamblin playing a pass inside to Bailey Ricker. With one touch, Ricket sent the ball ahead to a streaking Ashlee Kelsey, who fired a shot past a diving keeper that bounced off the post and into the net for the opening goal in the 19th minute. It marked Kelsey's second goal of the season.
The Royals responded quickly, tying the game in the 20th minute, but Southern Virginia continued to apply pressure offensively and found the back of the net again just before halftime. In the 45th minute, Lottlie Smith sent a ball into the middle, where Savannah James corralled it and finished the opportunity to give the Knights a 2-1 lead at the break.
Eastern Mennonite tied the game at 2-2 in the 56th minute, but the Knights responded once again. Xoie Warner put Southern Virginia back in front after Estee Scheider delivered a perfect pass into the middle from midfield, allowing Warner to score on a quick two-touch shot for a 3-2 lead.
The Knights added an insurance goal in the 71st minute. Following a corner kick from Rachel Winterton, McKenna Currey rose above the defense and headed the ball into the net to give Southern Virginia a 4-2 victory and its third consecutive win over the Royals.
Both teams battled physically throughout the final stretch, but the Knights maintained control, holding a commanding 15-0 advantage in corner kicks and a 24-8 edge in shots.
Southern Virginia now begins a two-game road trip, traveling to Bridgewater College on Wednesday, Sept. 16, for a 4 p.m. matchup.
For more updates and details on the women's soccer team, follow @knight_wsoc on Instagram and visit knightathletics.com.
