MISENHEIMER, N.C. — Averett University women's soccer traveled south to square off with the Falcons of Pfeiffer University on Friday. The Cougars came out of the season-opening road trip with a tally in the win column.
Averett (1-0) shot out of the gates en route to a 2-0 victory over Pfeiffer (0-1). The Cougars opening goal came just under three minutes into the evening's action, with the new head of Averett's attack breaking the ice. Senior
Isobel Evans capitalized on her chance in front of goal, scoring a timely tap in goal after the Falcons' keeper failed to corral a shot off the foot of freshman
Gabriella Alvarado, who was credited with an assist for her efforts. Averett kept the pressure on throughout the remainder of the opening half, sustaining the occasional attack from the home side. As the whistle sounded to send teams into the halftime pause, Averett maintained its 1-0 lead.
The second likely gave those in attendance a touch of Déjà vu, as once again Averett came out swinging. Evans started the scoring chance this time, firing a shot on target that forced a save out of Pfeiffers netminder. Evans' shot proved to be too much to handle, and this time the rebound bounced its way to senior
Gianna Minafo, who coolly pounced on the opportunity and sent Averett ahead, 2-0. The Cougars' defense kept Pfeiffer stifled from the opening touch to the sound of the final whistle, as Averett records its first clean sheet of the season thanks to a full team effort, particularly from the back line of: juniors
Celina Pelletant and
Mackenzie Overly, senior
Lucia Sanchez, and sophomore
Taylor Parks. Junior goaltender
Krista Hinebaugh collected every shot that slipped through Averett's defense, tallying eight saves in defense of her goal.
It's on to the next right away for Averett as the Cougars will play host to Salem College for a holiday bash. The two sides face off on Labor Day, Monday, September 1, with the ball set to roll at 5 p.m. on the turf of Daly Field.
