Virginia Beach, VA - The Regent University Women's Soccer team struck first and continued to battle throughout the afternoon Wednesday, but would fall to visiting Eastern Mennonite University by a final score of 5-1.
The Royals wasted little time putting pressure on the visitors, grabbing an early advantage just over six minutes into the match when Senior Sierra Smullen (Snow Hill, MD) provided the breakthrough at the 6:16 mark, finding the back of the net for the1-0 lead.
Eastern Mennonite answered just 1:14 later to even the match at 1-1. The visitors added goals in the 24th and 41st minutes to take a 3-1 advantage into halftime.
Despite the deficit, Regent continued looking for opportunities after the break. Freshman Lauren Pond (Midlothian, VA) put an attempt on frame in the 49th minute, forcing a save, while Smullen nearly added her second goal of the afternoon with another shot on target in the 58th minute.
Smullen led the Regent attack with two shots, both on goal, while Pond registered two attempts with one on frame. Fellow Freshmen Finley Hunter (Virginia Beach, VA) and Addison DeBolt (Virginia Beach, VA) each added a shot as the Royals finished with six attempts and three shots on goal.
In goal, Senior Kristen Miller (Peoria, AZ) faced steady pressure and turned in a busy performance for Regent, recording 10 saves over the full 90 minutes, including six in the opening half and four after halftime.
The Royals will continue their home stand on Friday, September 18th when they host Anges Scott College. KIck-off is scheduled for 7:00pm.
