RADFORD, Va. ? VMI scored its first goal in Big South Conference play this season, but it wasn't enough as Radford scored a 4-1 decision over the Keydets on Wednesday evening at Patrick D. Cupp Memorial Stadium. The Highlanders, who extended their winning streak to five, improve to 7-4 and 1-0 in the League, while VMI drops its second straight, falling to 4-8-1 overall and 0-3 in the Big South.
Radford jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first 19 minutes of the first half. Three different Highlanders found the back of the net in a 12:23 span. Sophomore Caitlyn Roan got the scoring started 6:36 into the match. After making a short give-and-go with junior Laura Culver, Roan roofed a full volley from about 20 yards.
Just under four minutes later, senior Brianna Kipper gave RU a 2-0 advantage, one-timing a far post cross from sophomore Jill Boyer. Senior Jenna Ramer also assisted on the goal, playing a low through ball to a striding Boyer. That goal extended Kipper's goal-scoring streak to five matches and upped her season total to ten.
In the 19th minute, RU upped its lead to 3-0 when freshman Latrice Lee notched her sixth goal of the season on a breakaway that was set up by sophomore Amanda Heins. With a pair of defenders and the goalie collapsing on her, she sent a shot towards the frame that was deflected in by the defender.
The Highs extended their lead to 4-0, scoring just 51 seconds into the second half. Boyer made a run down the right side and played a cross into the six-yard box that one-touched into the top of the net by junior McKenzie Vergara. It was Boyer's second helper of the match and Vergara's fifth goal of the season.
VMI's took advantage of its only shot of the match in the 74th minute. Jessica Robbins spoiled RU's shutout, heading Megan Strand's corner kick into the ground, bouncing it over RU freshman keeper Emily Heath.
Radford out shot VMI, 25-1 and held a 5-2 advantage in corner kicks. Kipper led RU, taking five shots, with Vergara and Lee recording four each. Heidi Beemer, who entered the match in the 32nd minute, made 11 saves, allowing just one goal over the final 58:43 for the Keydets, setting a career-best and a season-high for the team. Angela Redmond started in goal and allowed the first three goals of the match for the visitors. Freshman Alex Traughber (Ashburn, Va.) and Heath each played one half for the Highlanders.
The Keydets jump back into Conference play on Sunday afternoon, taking on High Point in the second game of a soccer doubleheader at Patchin Field. The VMI men's team takes on Winthrop at noon on Sunday, before the women's team kicks off at 3 p.m.
