Gaffney, S.C. — Wolves Celebrate Win Against Limestone
The Newberry College Wolves women’s soccer team emerged victorious against the Limestone Saints with a score of 2-1 during their road match on Saturday. This victory marks a significant achievement as it not only adds to their winning streak but also avenges their previous playoff defeat in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Tournament semifinals last year.
First Half Highlights
The match took place in Gaffney, marking the Wolves’ first contest against Limestone this season. The game’s opening half saw the Wolves establish an early lead. Senior Tasmin Bangert scored the first goal of the match, her second of the season, putting Newberry ahead 1-0 with just 4:23 left before halftime. The team maintained a tight defense, keeping the Saints frustrated and scoreless for most of the first period.
Third Quarter Turnaround
The momentum shifted in the third quarter when Limestone struck back, leveling the score at 1-1 with a goal at the 6:52 mark. However, the Wolves were quick to respond. Senior Stembile Chikoore netted her first goal of the season and the 16th of her career, capitalizing on a rebound in the closing seconds of the third quarter, giving the Wolves a decisive 2-1 lead with only 46 seconds remaining.
Defensive Stand in the Fourth Quarter
In the final quarter, the Wolves showcased a formidable team defense, effectively shutting down every attack from the Saints. With Kyla Cooke, also a senior, making two crucial saves, Newberry managed to protect their narrow lead and secured the win. This strong defensive effort was key to maintaining their unbeaten record, pushing their season start to 3-0 for the second consecutive year.
Coach’s Milestone
With this victory, head coach Hannah Dave celebrated her 70th win with the Wolves, holding an overall coaching record of 70-52 at Newberry. Coach Dave emphasized the importance of team effort in achieving this milestone, highlighting that it reflects the hard work and dedication of her players.
Looking Ahead
The Wolves now have a week of rest before returning to action on Tuesday, September 17th, when they will face Belmont Abbey. Their strong preseason performance, where they were picked to finish second in the SAC Poll behind the Saints, bolsters their confidence as they continue navigating through the season.
Conclusion
This exciting matchup not only delighted fans but also highlighted the potential of the Newberry squad as they look forward to upcoming challenges. The Wolves aim to build on this momentum and further improve their standing as they progress through the regimen of the 2023 season.
