Belmont, NC – Southern Wesleyan dropped their first Conference Carolinas match-up of the season to the Belmont Abbey Crusaders in a 26-1 final score.
The Warriors picked up three shots and one shot on goal in the loss to the Crusaders.
Lauryn Esposito recorded the lone goal, with
Jocelyn Cosgrove picking up the assist on the goal. Southern Wesleyan caused three turnovers. The Warriors picked up seven ground balls with
Caroline Lark leading the team with four. Cosgrove followed with two ground balls. Lark played all ninety minutes in the goal and had eight saves.
Game Vitals
Final: Belmont Abbey 26, Southern Wesleyan 1
Records: Southern Wesleyan (0-2 / CC 0-1) Belmont Abbey (4-2 / CC 2-0)
How It Happened
Belmont Abbey attacked quickly as back to back goals by Olivia Carlino and Haley Adamo gave them an early 2-0 goal advantage. The Crusaders would not back down as they quickly extended their lead to 5-0. However, the Warriors fought back as
Lauryn Esposito won the draw. Belmont Abbey would not relent as they forced a turnover and Riley D'Andrea scored her second goal of the game to push the Crusaders ahead 7-0. Southern Wesleyan continued to fight as both Esposito and
Jocelyn Cosgrove collected ground balls. With just under five minutes on the clock, the Crusaders scored their tenth goal of the game to force a running clock.
Caroline Lark saved several more attempts made by the Crusaders.
The Crusaders would not relent their attacks in the second period as they scored back-to-back goals by Olivia Carlino and Angela Bagatta. Belmont Abbey continued to pepper the net, but
Caroline Lark defended the goal. However, Riley D'Andrea got past the Warriors defense to score once again for the Crusaders. Southern Wesleyan continued to press as
Jocelyn Cosgrove won the draw and passed the ball directly to
Lauryn Esposito to score the Warriors first goal of the game. Belmont Abbey was leading 16-1 at halftime.
Belmont Abbey continued to press the Southern Wesleyan defense in the third quarter as Hailey Carroll scored three goals in a row. Southern Wesleyan fought on against the Crusaders, however Belmont Abbey would not relent as Carroll scored once again to give them a 20-1 goal lead.
The Crusaders pushed further ahead in the fourth quarter as Faith Piser scored to put Belmont Abbey ahead 22-1. Belmont Abbey continued to pepper the net with attacks, but
Caroline Lark and the Warriors defense stayed strong on the back line to thwart their attacks.
Lauryn Esposito won another draw control for the Warriors, however the Crusaders gained control and Angela Bagatta scored to give the Crusaders a 26-1 victory over the Warriors.
What's Next
Southern Wesleyan will then travel to Newberry, SC on March 8 to take on the Newberry Wolves. The Warriors will then host their home opener on March 11 as they welcome the Barton Bulldogs to Childs Field for a 1 p.m. draw control. They will remain at home on March 14 as they host Alliance University.
