Danville, KY – Centre came away with a big victory over Southwestern by a final score of 16 – 6 over the Pirates for the Colonels' first win in the SAA.
Centre controlled the early pace on offense, taking multiple shots at goal before
Gracie Garner was able to get the scoring started for the game off an assist by
Sophia Richardson. with 10:40 to play in the 1st quarter.
After several defensive plays and some missed shots on both sides, Southwestern was able to convert on a free-position opportunity during a man-up advantage to tie the game late in the first.
Momentum shifted early in the second, as Southwestern took control with back-to-back goals, from Grace Van Dinter and another free position opportunity by Sydney Martin to build a 3-1 lead. Both teams faced multiple fouls, trading shots before the Colonels were able to make a comeback to tie the game 3-3 with back-to-back goals from
Sophia Richardson and
Audrey Haines with just under 6 minutes to play in the half.
The Colonels kept the momentum going and headed into halftime off two additional goals from
Gracie Garner and
Mary Sterling Anderton for a 5-3 lead at the break.
Straight out of the half, Centre took full control, opening the quarter with two quick goals by Haines and Anderton, and never let up from there. Other than a man-up goal by Sydney Martin, the Pirates struggled with turnovers, allowing Centre to capitalize repeatedly, mainly on free-position chances, and take a comfortable 11-5 lead into the fourth.
Centre continued to dominate on offense in the fourth, with a scoring run by Garner and Anderton to put the game out of reach. Grace Van Dinter managed to get one last goal through for the Pirates, but couldn't overcome the Colonels' defensive pressure and penalties.
Eva Kalmbach gave the Colonels a closing goal off an assist from
Elizabeth Mitchell, pushing the lead to 16-6, and the Colonels finish the game on a running clock, winning.
Mary Sterling Anderton and
Gracie Garner finished the day with 5 goals each.
Mary Haley stopped 8 shots in goal as Centre's stingy D held Southwestern to just 14 total shots on goal.
Centre goes on the road for another conference match up at Oglethorpe on Saturday, April 4th, starting at Noon.
