Norfolk, VA – Despite an hour and a half lightning delay, the Regent University Women's Soccer team took the field for their home opener Saturday afternoon and put in a strong offensive performance, defeating Sweet Briar College, 3-1, to pick up its first victory of the 2026 season.
The Royals received goals from Freshman Lauren Pond (Midlothian, VA), Sophomore Camryn Robinson (Jacksonville, FL) and Senior Sierra Smullen (Snow Hill, MD), while goalkeeper Senior Kristen Miller (Peoria, AZ) turned away four shots as Regent improved to 1-1 on the season.
The Royals broke through in the 27th minute when Pond found the back of the net for a 1-0 advantage. Pond continued to create opportunities for the Regent attack and nearly added another goal just minutes later. The Royals carried their one-goal advantage into halftime before quickly taking control after the break.
Less than two minutes into the second half, Robinson doubled Regent's advantage, scoring off an assist from Pond at the 46:47 mark. Regent continued to apply pressure and were rewarded again less than 10 minutes later when, following a corner kick, Smullen connected for the Royals' third goal in the 57th minute, with Sophomore Kylie Gaines (Ramsuer, NC) picking up the assist to push the lead to 3-0.
Regent's defense also delivered in a key moment. Sweet Briar was awarded a penalty kick in the 60th minute, but Miller came up with the save to preserve the three-goal advantage. Miller finished the afternoon with four saves while playing all 90 minutes in goal.
Pond helped lead the Regent attack with a goal and an assist while putting two of her three shots on frame. Smullen finished with a goal on two shots on goal, while Robinson recorded the eventual game-winning goal. Gaines added an assist as the Royals finished with six of their eight shots on goal.
Regent will be back in action on Wednesday, September 9th when they travel to Raleigh, NC to face William Peace University. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00pm.
