BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C.— The Montreat College women's soccer team secured a decisive victory over Spartanburg Methodist College on Saturday with a final score of 5-1 at Pulliam Stadium. With the win, the Cavaliers improved to 2-3-0 overall and 2-1-0 in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play. Meanwhile, the Pioneers fell to 2-3-2 overall and 0-2-1 in conference action.
The first period saw Montreat seize the lead in the 24th minute with
Sam Aalbue scoring her fourth goal of the season, capitalizing on the home team's persistent offensive efforts. Despite multiple shots on goal from
Natalie Hall and
Kylie Ridings, it was Aalbue's long-range finish that set the hosts apart as they held a 1-0 advantage. The Cavs' defense, anchored by goalkeeper
Anna Weissenfluh, maintained the lead by limiting the visitors to just one off-target shot, ensuring a solid first-half performance.
The second frame began with Montreat immediately applying pressure, as
Rozsa Williford opened the scoring with a goal in the 54th minute, assisted by
Katie Burton and Hall. Despite Spartanburg Methodist's response in the 68th minute, Hall quickly restored the Cavaliers' two-goal lead less than two minutes later, with
Leigh Harpel and
Sawyer Kenney picking up assists on the strike. The hosts further solidified their advantage with tallies from
Kaylene Manternach in the 75th minute and Aalbue's penalty kick in the final 15 seconds, marking her second brace of the week. As the match concluded, the Cavs walked away with a decisive 5-1 victory. Montreat extended its all-time record to 3-0-0 against SMC following Saturday's triumph.
"We just kept battling," said head coach
Kristin Eggert. "I think it was a fantastic response after giving up a goal to just come and push forward so we could max out the differential. Good things happen when you get in the box."
Along with dominating on the scoreboard, the home side also stuffed the stat sheet, racking up noticeable edges in shots (19-9), shots on goal (11-2) and corner kicks (4-1).
In addition to Aalbue's two goals, Manternach scored once on two shots, with one of those attempts landing on frame. Williford registered the game-winning goal, converting her lone shot on target. Hall contributed both a goal and an assist, finishing with three shots on goal from four attempts. Harpel provided two assists, impacting the Cavs' offensive output significantly. Defensively, Weissenfluh ended the afternoon with one save.
The next challenge for the Cavaliers is a trip to Columbia, S.C., where they will face Columbia International University. The match is set for Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 5 p.m.
