LIBERTY, Mo. – On the road at William Jewell, the Maryville women's soccer team laid down one of the most impressive first-half offensive showings you can as a soccer team. Just 26 minutes into the game, the Saints led by a touchdown – or seven goals – with
Ashlyne Hunt (3),
Elsa Nilson-Hurtig (2),
Lexi Gentry and
Emily Doane all finding the net.
Paige Barry late in the second finished it off making it an eight goal victory for the Saints.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Cardinals employed an interesting defensive strategy early in the bout, attempting to catch the Saints off guard. Jewell played their backline far up the midfield, which ended up being their downfall as after a Gentry long-ball goal gave the Saints the lead, it was a speed battle the Cardinals could not win.
Hunt and Nilson-Hurtig were given 1-on-1 opportunities galore with the Saints front pair punishing the Cardinals and before you could turn back, the game was already out of hand.
After the seventh goal, the Cardinals reverted to a standard defense shape, but the damage had already been done.
Hunt's hat trick marks the first of her career, while Nilson-Hurtig's multi-goal game tallies the third of her career and the second of the season.
Agnes Vilen recorded her third-straight clean sheet in net, recording two saves on the day.
GLVC STUNTIN'
The Saints since starting GLVC play have been on an absolute tear, scoring 11 goals while surrendering zero. Maryville is averaging 5.667 goals a game with the defense being one of two teams to have not allowed a conference goal yet, the other being Indianapolis.
DAWG TALK
Hunt on the offensive showcase…
"We were pretty hungry to get in and score some goals, we knew we could against this team. We were getting into their back line with them playing pretty high and once their goalie starting playing in that halfway point, [we just started] chipping right over her head."
Hunt on her hat-trick and what worked well for her…
"Personally, my speed really helped me out there, taking one touch in front of the defender and cutting them off and being able to get it in from there."
UP NEXT
The Saints look to continue their dominance of GLVC play as they welcome in Missouri S&T on Friday, Sept, 27 at 4 p.m. at the Maryville Soccer Field.
