Rocky Mount, NC - Goals from Sophomore
Kylie Gaines (Ramsuer, NC) and
Victoria Hoffmann (Lewisville, TX), combined with a strong performance from Senior
Kristen Miller (Peoria, AZ), helped the Regent University Women's Soccer team Monday afternoon secure a program first win over North Carolina Wesleyan University 2-1.
The Royals wasted little time as Gaines found the back of the net, just 1:43 into the game, connecting on a cross from Senior
Anna Teague (Salisbury, NC) to grab an early advantage, 1-0. Gaines' goal was the fastest score in program history and it established Regent's offense forcing the Battling Bishops to play catch-up. For the next 17 minutes, both teams pressured the goal but it was North Carolina Wesleyan who broke through and tied the game at 1-1 and it would stay that way as the the teams headed into halftime. After a back-and-forth 20 minutes to begin the second half, the Royals were the recipient of a foul call in the box, giving them an opportunity for a penalty kick. That is when Hoffmann stepped up and converted a shot to the lower right corner just out of reach of the Battling Biships goalkeeper, giving Regent the lead and and eventually the win, 2-1.
Defensively, the Royals played one of their best games of the season as Freshmen
Audrey Bailey (Powhatan, VA),
Finley Hunter (Virginia Beach, VA),
Ava Reyes (Nokesville, VA), along with Junior
Serenity Cortez (Fresno, CA), and Miller in goal, denied any opportunity NC Wesleyan had to try to tie the game. Miller continued to turn away the Battling Bishops' opportunities, while Regent worked to protect their advantage and seal the road victory.
The Royals will be back in action on Wednesday, October 14th when they travel up the Eastern Shore to Maryland for a match-up with Salisbury University. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00pm.
