Central, SC – Southern Wesleyan picked up the first victory of the season on Wednesday evening as they took down the Albany State Golden Rams in a 4-1 final score.
The Warriors totaled 33 shots over the course of the game with 17 being on goal. Madelyn Graf led the team with nine shots and six shots on goal. Behind her Madi Wurst had three shots on goal and Karina Pashkovets had two. Both Graf and Wurst had goals and Audrey Crawford had the lone assist. They had 11 corner kicks. Amanda Magnin started in goal while Samantha Benner played the second half and collected three saves.
Game Vitals
Final: Southern Wesleyan 4, Albany State 1
Records: Southern Wesleyan (1-2-1 / CC 0-1) Albany State (0-5)
Coach Meneses says...
"Well played game today. We controlled the game with possession and some high pressure. Albany State made a push in the second half, but we were able to continue moving the ball and had some good chances throughout. Big conference game on Saturday."
How It Happened
Southern Wesleyan attacked early as Fianna Steves, Abigail Aman and Audrey Crawford all attacked the net. Madelyn Graf drove the ball toward the net, but Daphne Estrada kept the Warriors' attacks from paying off. Back-to-back own goals by the Golden Rams allowed the Warriors to take an early lead. Graf collected the ball and weaved around the Golden Rams defense and shot the ball into the corner of the net to extend the Warriors lead to 3-0. Southern Wesleyan would not relent as Crawford passed the ball over to Wurst. Wurst drill the ball into the net to put the Warriors on top 4-0 at halftime.
The Warriors kicked off the second half as Fianna Steves took a shot on the net, but Daphne Estrada saved the attack to keep the Warriors from extending their lead further. Albany State countered with shots by Jordyn Keene and Gabby Toney, but Samantha Benner and the Southern Wesleyan defense thwarted each of the attacks. Southern Wesleyan continued to pepper the net with shots by Madi Wurst, Becca Devericks and Karina Pashkovets. Toney got the ball over to Payton Johnson to score the only goal of the game for the Golden Rams. Southern Wesleyan went on to claim the victory in a 4-1 final.
What's Next
Southern Wesleyan will remain at home on September 16 as they host the North Greenville Crusaders at 1 pm. They will then travel to Banner Elk, NC to take on the Lees-McRae Bobcats on September 19. The Warriors will return home on September 23 to host the Young Harris Mountain Lions.
