Danville, Ky. - Centre Women's Soccer honored its nine seniors in grand style with a dominating 3-0 win over Roanoke on Sunday afternoon.
Eight of the nine got the start on the day with
Olivia Federico unavailable due to injury. The group showed its experience by controlling the ball and field from the start, not allowing the emotions of the day to possibly cause hiccups on the pitch.
Claire Mullen had the first official shot on goal for the Colonels in the 13th minute but was denied. Centre continued to dominate the ball as subs rolled in. One sub, freshman
Savannah Mooney, did not take long to make her presence felt. Taking a free kick midway between the 18-yard line and the sideline in front of the Centre bench, Mooney launched an immaculate strike to the opposite upper corner of the net. It was a shot that few keepers at any level would have gotten. It set off the packed crowd and gave the Colonels a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute. Just over 6 minutes later, another freshman doubled the lead.
Ellery Taylor took possession of the ball straight on from 22 yards out and let loose a screamer to the upper right corner of the net. Somehow, the net stayed intact off Taylor's missile as the Colonels took a 2-0 lead.
Zara McCarthy nearly made it 3 in the 37th minute as a shot deflected off the Roanoke keeper's mitts and ricocheted off the crossbar. Still, the Colonels held a commanding 2-0 lead at the half.
Little changed in the second half, although Roanoke did have its best chance on goal in the 48th minute when a shot drilled the Centre crossbar but was cleared out. In the 60th minute, a senior got her chance to shine.
Mary Martin Hampton took a brilliant feed from
Zara McCarthy on the right side of the box and slotted it past the Roanoke keeper. Hampton jumped into McCarthy's arms in celebration of the goal that left no doubt on a nearly perfect performance for the Colonels.
Centre finished the game with a stunning 66% of the possession. They out-shot the Maroons, 13-4 overall, including 9-2 on goal. The offense also drew 9 corners while the defense conceded none.
The Colonels now turn their attention towards Friday night and massive match as #1 WashU comes back to Amend Field for a second straight year. Kickoff is set for 7:00pm.
