SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Caroline Roche broke open a close game with two goals in 54 seconds, helping Belmont Abbey defeat Converse 4-0 in Conference Carolinas women's soccer action Tuesday afternoon. The victory clinched the Northwest Division title for the Crusaders, earning them a first-round bye and no worse than the No. 4 seed at the league tournament.
The Abbey improves to 10-4-1 overall and 8-1-1 in Conference play (5-1 in the Northwest Division). The Valkyries fall to 5-8-2, 4-5-1, 2-3-1.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Belmont Abbey broke into the scoring column in the 32nd minute when Addie Galek found the top left corner after a pass from Anna Richárd.
- The score stayed 1-0 into the second half when Roche scored at 61:19 and 62:13. Haley Long and Richárd provided the assists, respectively.
- It was the third straight game that Roche has tallied a goal for the Crusaders.
- Richard sealed the win just 27 seconds after that, beating the keeper low from Hannah Willis.
- Belmont Abbey out shot Converse 19-2 overall and 12-2 on goal.
- Ryleigh Dougherty started in goal and made two saves in 72 minutes. Gianna Carneglia combined on the shutout with 18 minutes of action.
REGIONAL RANKING
- Earlier on Tuesday, the Crusaders were ranked No. 9 in the United Soccer Coaches Southeast Regional Rankings.
UP NEXT
- Belmont Abbey continues its road swing at Barton on Friday.
- The game will be the second half of the doubleheader with the men's teams, beginning around 7 p.m.