NEWS

 

DAVIDSON, N.C. – The Davidson women’s soccer team rolled to a 3-0 victory over Presbyterian Sunday at Alumni Stadium.

Prior to Sunday’s contest, Davidson honored its five-member senior class in Shea Bonacci, Phoebe Fowler, Brooke Ditcham, Riley Patton and Emma Peddrick for their contributions to the program over their careers.

The win was the first of the season on the Wildcats’ home field and moved their record to 3-4. With the loss, the Blue Hose move to 1-5. Sunday’s win marks the third shutout for Davidson this season.

“It’s a good day when you can score a few goals and get the clean sheet” said head coach Riley Piechnick following the win. “It took us a little bit of time to capitalize on the opportunities we were creating, but had a great response after halftime to score early in the second half and open the game up. I am happy we were able to get the senior class a win on their Senior Day, and this gives us good momentum heading into conference play this week.”

The Wildcats’ offensive charge was led by Bonacci and Savannah Pruitt who each landed all three of their shots on goal in addition to netting one goal apiece. SJ Pak recorded a goal of her own during the match while Phoebe Fowler and Aleia Gisolfi-McCready both had one assist.

Gisolfi-McCready (2), Fowler (1), Patton (1) and Katy Talotta (1) each aided on the offensive end of the field with shots on goal as well.

Emily Smith had a dominant 90-minute performance in goal for Davidson making four saves, two of which were one on one.

After a scoreless first 45 minutes, the ‘Cats attack got off to a quick start in the second half with Pak scoring her first goal of the season, via assist from Gisolfi-McCready, which she snuck just below the crossbar in the 48th minute.

Davidson continued its surge on offense netting two goals less than five minutes apart from each other. First, Bonacci placed a tricky ball towards the goal which was deflected off of a Blue Hose player in the Wildcats’ favor to extend their lead to 2-0 in the 74th minute.

Moments later, Fowler took a free kick shot that was saved by Presbyterian goalkeeper Kelly Hall but Pruitt was in the right place at the right time to gather the save and land a shot in the right side of the goal making the lead 3-0.

Bonacci and Pruitt’s goals were also their first of the 2023 season.

For the game, The Wildcats held advantages in shots (22-6), shots on goal (12-4) and corner kicks (8-6). Davidson’s 22 shots and 12 shots on goal are a current season-high.

UP NEXT
Davidson continues its home stand when it opens Atlantic 10 competition against Duquesne 7 p.m. Thursday at Alumni Stadium.