LATROBE, Pa. (Oct. 17) – Four different Bearcats found the back of the net, while Emma Koller recorded a goal and two assists, as the Saint Vincent women's soccer team continued its winning ways with a commanding 4-0 shutout victory over Hiram in a Presidents' Athletic Conference matchup on Saturday afternoon at UPMC Field.
The victory marked the Bearcats' fifth consecutive win, improving their record to 11-2-1 overall and 6-1-1 in PAC play. Saint Vincent has now recorded five consecutive shutouts, continuing its impressive stretch of play on both sides of the field.
Saint Vincent wasted little time getting on the scoreboard, as Bella Meder opened the scoring just 5:42 into the contest. Meder took a pass from Koller and found the back of the net for her fifth goal of the season, giving the Bearcats an early 1-0 advantage.
The Bearcats continued to apply offensive pressure, doubling their lead in the 19th minute. Koller picked up her second assist of the afternoon, setting up Riley Kerr for her seventh goal of the season at the 18:56 mark to extend the Saint Vincent advantage to 2-0.
Saint Vincent added another goal just before halftime, as Sofia Tepichin scored her first goal of the season off an assist from Giovanna Ferraro with 2:10 remaining in the opening half, sending the Bearcats into the break with a commanding 3-0 lead.
The Bearcats carried their momentum into the second half, adding their fourth goal of the afternoon in the 59th minute. Koller capped off her impressive offensive performance with an unassisted goal at the 58:33 mark, her team-leading 16th tally of the season, extending the Saint Vincent lead to 4-0.
Saint Vincent's defense took care of the rest, limiting Hiram to just three shots throughout the contest, including two on goal, to secure another important conference victory.
The Bearcats held a commanding 26-3 advantage in shots, including a 12-2 edge in shots on goal. Saint Vincent also recorded all 12 corner kicks in the contest, while holding the Terriers without a shot in the opening half.
Koller led the Saint Vincent offensive attack with six shots, including three on goal, to go along with her goal and two assists. Lexi Graham added five shots, while Addie Fisher recorded three. Meder, Kerr and Ava Justino each finished with two shots, while Tepichin added a goal on her lone shot of the afternoon.
Rilyn Warner played all 90 minutes in goal for Saint Vincent, making two saves to record the shutout.
The victory continued an impressive defensive stretch for the Bearcats, who have not allowed a goal in their last five contests. Saint Vincent has now won seven of its last eight matches, with its lone loss during that stretch coming against Franciscan.
The Bearcats return to action on Tuesday, October 20 with a road PAC matchup at Chatham. The game is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. in Pittsburgh.
