BLACK MOUNTAIN N.C.— During a chilly Homecoming weekend, the Montreat women's soccer team hosted the Johnson University-Tennessee Royals, aiming to secure their third consecutive win Saturday afternoon. With a hat trick honor for JJ Aalbue, the Cavs secured their 4-0 win against the Royals and showed competitive greatness, moving their record to 6-4-0 overall and 6-2-0 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC).  
 
During the first half of the game, both teams played defensively, but the Cavaliers managed to take the lead by attempting 13 shots. At the 18:48 mark, Aalbue scored her fifth goal of the season, putting the Cavaliers ahead 1-0. Sam Aalbue, JJ's sister, added another goal to the scoreboard in the 28^th minute, securing the Cavs' lead. By the end of the frame, the hosts maintained their 2-0 lead by leaving the Royals scoreless.
 
Following a 15-minute halftime break, both teams made a strong start in the second half. Just ten minutes in, Winona Lake, Ind. native JJ Aalbue scored another goal, bringing the score to 3-0. Later, a foul was committed by the Royals in the 18-yard box, resulting in a penalty kick for the Cavaliers. JJ Aalbue successfully scored the kick, which marked her third goal of the game and earned her the hat trick honors. Her final goal also clinched Montreat's 4-0 win.
 
"Before the match, we talked about enjoying the quality, which we had in plenty tonight," said head coach Kristin Eggert. "The shutout mentality is a piece that we focused on, and the team executed in brilliant fashion."
 
The Cavs held the edge in shots (21-7), shots on goal (15-4) and corner kicks (5-3) to conclude the match. Both Logan White and Alex Chapman recorded two saves in net.
 
The Montreat women's soccer team returns to Pulliam Stadium to host Columbia College (S.C.) on Wednesday night with kickoff scheduled for 7:15 PM.