SPARTANBURG, S.C. – A dominating offensive performance fueled by three first half goals carried the UNC Pembroke soccer team to a 7-0 victory over Converse on Saturday evening at McCracken Field.
The victory for the Braves (6-3-0, 5-0-0 CC), coupled with Mount Olive's 2-2 tie with North Greenville earlier Saturday, moved the Black & Gold into sole possession of first place in the Conference Carolinas standings. The setback for the Valkyries (2-6-2, 2-3-0 CC) marked the third loss in their last four outings.
| SCORING SUMMARY |
| 8' |
Zion Sellers dribbled around Converse defenders and fired off a shot that found the back of the net for her second goal of the season. |
| 20' |
Alexis Pittman used her speed to help beat the Converse back line and booted the ball in for her third goal this season. |
| 44' |
Ashleigh Harris converted a penalty kick for the Braves to give the visitors a 3-0 lead. |
| 62' |
Ashleigh Harris saw an opening and slipped another shot out of reach of the Converse goalie. |
| 78' |
Kassie Jesrani played a ball that found the feet of Ilaya Bigford who recorded her third goal of the season. |
| 85' |
Maya Grimes crossed a ball into the box to Kassie Jesrani who finished the play for a 6-0 lead. |
| 90' |
Abigail Lowry registered her first collegiate goal after a pass from Maya Grimes. |
| TOP BRAVES |
+ Newcomer Ashleigh Harris registered her second and third goals for the Black & Gold, and also attempted six shots.
+ Maya Grimes logged her first points of the 2021 season with two assists. Grimes also logged two shots.
+ Chiara Coppin recorded her ninth career shutout, including her fifth clean sheet this season. |
| NOTABLES |
+ The win marked the largest margin of victory since the 2015 season when the Braves blanked Georgia Southwestern 7-0.
+ The Black & Gold defense allowed just two shots during the contest.
+ UNCP has now recorded a shutout in four of its five league contests this season. |
| UP NEXT |
| The Braves will be back in action on Wednesday when they welcome Chowan to Pembroke for Think Pink. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. at Lumbee River EMC Stadium. Admission to all home UNCP soccer games is free. |
