BELMONT, N.C. -- Belmont Abbey scored a goal in the middle each half and two goalkeepers combined for the sixth shutout of the season as the Crusaders earned a 2-0 victory over Wingate in non-conference women's soccer action Saturday afternoon. Eight Abbey seniors were honored in a pregame ceremony for Senior Day.

With the victory, the Crusaders improve to 8-3-2, while the Bulldogs, which were ranked sixth in the latest United Soccer Coaches Southeast Regional poll, fall to  Wingate 7-2-3.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Anna Richard opened the scoring 25:34 into the contest on a looping shot to the upper right corner of the goal. She was assisted by Reagan Cullen.
• The lead was doubled at the 66:22 mark when senior Alyssa Espinosa blasted a shot from Caroline Roche from the top of the penalty area.
• Brianna Sroka and Ryleigh Dougherty combined for the shutout with each playing a half. Both had two saves.
• Each team took 11 shots overall with The Abbey holding a 5-4 edge in shots on goal. Wingate took five corner kicks to the Crusaders' one.
• Seniors Reagan Cullen, Alyssa Espinosa, Madison Gnolfo, Ella McDonald, Mia Muckenthaler, Grace Siders, Brianna Sroka, Lourdes Tompkins and Sabrina Whitehouse were celebrated before the contest.

UP NEXT

• Belmont Abbey has a week off before hosting Francis Marion at 4:30 p.m. next Saturday.
• The game will be the regular-season home finale.