Highlanders Improve to 2-0 in NCCAA Pool Play after 5-0 Win
KISSIMMEE, FL—The second-seeded Houghton women's soccer team (14-6-2) turned in another dominating performance in the second game of NCCAA pool play, scoring early and often, as they defeated Warner University (8-10), 5-0 on Tuesday afternoon.
Jennifer Zacchigna (East Aurora, NY, East Aurora) notched her second goal of the season just over two minutes into the game when
Sarah Gabriele (Mahwah, NJ, Eastern Christian) found her with a pass in front of the net.
Before the end of the half
Darlene Eckhardt (Eden, NY, Eden) and
Meagan Barry (Amherst, NY, Williamsville North) would add unassisted goals to give the Highlanders a 3-0 lead at the half.
Barry's goal was her second in two days of tournament play. Of the nine goals the team has scored she is the only player to score in both games.
Junior forward
Bailey Shattell (Syracuse, NY, Faith Heritage), however, matched Barry's total tournament output in the second half alone, scoring goals in the 46
th and 58
th minutes.
Zacchigna posted an assist on the first of Shattell's goals, while defensive back
Esther Webb (Houghton, NY, Fillmore Central HS) collected her second assist of the season on the final goal.
The Highlanders held a 28-7 advantage in shots for the game.
Houghton goalkeeper
Shawna Sprout (Portville, NY, Portville Central), who posted a shutout yesterday without collecting a single save, collected five today to earn her 11
th shutout of the season.
The Highlanders will have tomorrow off before taking the pitch again on Thursday, December 4 against third-seeded Mid-America Christian University at 7:30 p.m. The Evangels have also won each of their first two pool play games. If Houghton wins or ties they would advance to the NCCAA National Championship game on Saturday.