DAYTON, Tenn.— The Montreat College women's soccer team secured a decisive 5-0 shutout victory versus Bryan College on Saturday in Dayton, Tenn. Not only did the result mark the Cavaliers' second clean sheet of the week, but it also marked their fifth consecutive shutout triumph over the Lions.
 
With the win, the Cavs improved to 4-5-1 overall and 3-3-1 in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) action. Meanwhile, the loss dropped Bryan to 2-9-1 (1-7-0 AAC) on the year.
 
The first half began with Montreat setting the pace early on. Rozsa Williford's initial shot was saved, but the team continued to press, eventually leading to Sawyer Kenney opening the scoring account less than nine minutes in. The Cavaliers maintained offensive pressure, which ultimately paid off with Sam Aalbue finding the net roughly 10 minutes later to double the lead.
 
Continuing to dominate the match, Montreat extended its advantage with a third goal, this time by Rebeca Cruz Manon in the 30^th minute. Bryan managed a couple of attempts of its own, but Anna Weissenfluh kept a clean sheet. The period closed with the visitors ahead 3-0, effectively controlling the game.
 
The second frame started with the Cavs immediately reasserting their superiority. Natalie Hall extended Montreat's lead with her fourth goal of the season just 22 seconds into the half, bringing the score to 4-0. The Cavs continued to apply pressure, firing a flurry of shots on goal, though the Lions' Ava Hooks managed several saves to prevent an even more lopsided scoreline.
 
Montreat capitalized again in the 70^th minute when Aalbue, assisted by Cruz Manon via a direct corner, headed home her ninth goal of the season. The tally ballooned the Cavaliers' edge on the scoresheet to 5-0. Despite Bryan's efforts, the visitors' defense held firm, and the match concluded with Montreat maintaining its five-goal advantage and its clean sheet.
 
"That was our most complete performance," said head coach Kristin Eggert. "We have been experiencing freedom in our identities, and now we are recognizing how to unleash the power of giving our all in worship."
 
One-sided on the scoreboard and in the stat book, the Cavs sustained edges in shots (16-3), shots on goal (10-1) and corner kicks (3-1) across 90 minutes of play.
 
Defensively, Weissenfluh made one save in her 72:08 of work, while Alex Chapman helped finish off the shutout by playing the final 17:52 in goal. Offensively, Kenney scored the game-winning goal on her lone attempt of the day. Aalbue added two strikes and led the team with six shots, four of which were on target. Cruz Manon contributed both a goal and an assist, converting her only shot into a tally. Hall also scored once and registered two shots on goal out of three total tries.
 
Up next, Montreat will attempt to defend its home turf against Milligan University on Wednesday, Oct. 8. The contest kicks off at 5 p.m. at Pulliam Stadium in Black Mountain, N.C.