LEXINGTON, Va. - The Longwood Lancers scored just 1:07 into the game and would lead the rest of the way, en route to a 3-0 win over the VMI Keydets in Big South women's soccer action Wednesday afternoon at Patchin Field.
The first shot of the match was a Chelsea Walter try for Longwood (4-5-2, 3-0 Big South) that VMI (2-8, 0-3 BSC) keeper Liz Nickerson stopped with a sprawling effort. The ball, however, squirted from Nickerson's grasp a moment later and rolled right to the feet of Kelsey McDonald, who kicked it into the open net for a 1-0 Longwood lead. The Lancers added goals in the 22nd and 55th minutes to provide the insurance and remain unbeaten in Big South play.
On the day, Longwood held a 15-9 edge in shots, including a 9-4 edge in tries on goal. Nickerson had four first-half saves, while Emily Marbury stopped two shots in the second half. Shelby Hall, the current Big South Defensive Player of the Week, was credited with four saves for the Lancers.
After McDonald put the Lancers ahead early, Longwood continued to press, but Nickerson made saves in the 8th and 18th minutes to keep it a 1-0 contest. The Lancers, however, broke through in the 22nd minute. Kelsey Pardue hit a shot off the post, the rebound of which came out to Olivia Colella. Her shot was saved with a Nickerson dive, but that rebound went to Pardue, who scored to make a 2-0 game.
That would be Longwood's final shot of the half, as the match settled down a bit after Pardue's score. The Keydets tested Hall in the 28th minute, but she turned aside Kristen Whitehurst. Neither team had another shot until a long Bridgette Pouliot try was wide in the final seconds of the half, and the match went to halftime at 2-0, Longwood.
The visitors added on less than 10 minutes into the second half. A long slip pass by Amanda Spencer gave Gina D'Orazio space, and she beat Emily Marbury lower right for her second goal of the year and a 3-0 lead.
The Keydets tested Hall multiple times in the second half, including forcing her to make two sprawling, diving saves, but their best chance came in the 85th minute. Off a set piece from 25 yards out, Allie Segura ran over the ball and a trailing Meredith Baldasare blasted it over the wall of Longwood players. Unfortunately for VMI, the ball drilled the crossbar and bounced away. Nicole Blixt's follow-up was wide, and VMI would not threaten again in falling, 3-0.
"Today was a hard-fought, tough game on both sides," said VMI head coach Bryan Williams. "I give credit to Longwood for their play and the opportunistic offensive game they are playing so far this season. It is easy to see why they are 3-0 in the Big South right now. They make things happen, and we were unable to counter after giving up the two goals early. I felt our team played hard today, and I am proud of their effort. We look forward to facing Winthrop Saturday."
VMI women's soccer will return to action Saturday, playing host to Winthrop at Patchin Field. Game time is set for 1 p.m.
