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Women's Soccer

Women’s Soccer begins SoCon play versus UNCG and Furman

LEXINGTON, Va. – After facing a challenging non-conference slate, the VMI women's soccer team prepares for Southern Conference play this weekend when the Keydets face UNCG Thursday night on the road before taking on Furman Sunday in Lexington.
 
VMI and UNCG kick off Thursday night at 6 p.m. in Greensboro in the league opener for both squads, while the Keydets and Furman Paladins will square off Sunday at 1 p.m. at Patchin Field.
 
Broadcast Information
VMI at UNCG – Thursday, Sept. 18                         Watch on ESPN+  |  Live Stats
VMI vs. Furman – Sunday, Sept. 21                        Watch on ESPN+  |  Live Stats
 
The Keydets (1-7-1) enter conference play with momentum following their 3-1 victory over Saint Francis this past Sunday at home.  VMI went off for three goals on the day – matching their season high – as freshmen Mackenzie Hobik, Natalie Centurione and Isabella Franco all found the back of the net to pace VMI to its first victory of the 2025 campaign.
 
About UNCG (1-7)
The Spartans are off to an atypical start to the season with just one win under their belt but have played a difficult schedule with losses to the likes of Colorado, #22 North Carolina , South Florida, Charlotte and Liberty. UNCG's victory came against High Point back on September 4 when the Spartans came out victorious by a 1-0 count in Greensboro.
 
The Keydets look to snap a nine-game losing streak to UNCG as VMI last came out on top by a 1-0 score in Lexington back in 2016.
 
Rina Ogimoto leads the team with two goals on the year while Ava Kiss, Mairead Gayer, Bailey Gourdine and Becca Graeser each have one score. Ryen Ortiz has totaled the most shot attempts with 15 thus far through eight matches.
 
Emma Malone and Morgan Shively have split time in the cage. Malone has started all eight matches and owns 577 minutes in the box but Shively has played significant minutes with 142 so far in relief efforts.
 
About Furman (6-1-1)
Currently atop the league standings, the Paladins are enjoying a strong start to the season with six wins under their belt through eight matches with their sole loss coming at the hands of South Florida in the season opener.  The Paladins have won six of the past seven games and tied USC Upstate by a 2-2 score back on September 4.
 
Emma Sexton has scored four goals on the year to lead the team while Maddie Massie and Jaleah Simmons both have three. Bri Pinasco, Norah Roller and Katelyn Nixon each have a pair of goals as well.
 
Reese DeJong has played all but 45 minutes in the goalbox this season and has allowed just five goals through eight games while posting three shutouts.
 
 
 


 
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Players Mentioned

Mackenzie Hobik

#2 Mackenzie Hobik

M
5' 4"
Freshman
Baltimore Celtic GA
Isabella Franco

#12 Isabella Franco

F
5' 5"
Freshman
Beach FC ECNL
Natalie Centurione

#25 Natalie Centurione

F
5' 3"
Freshman
Cedar Stars Academy

Players Mentioned

Mackenzie Hobik

#2 Mackenzie Hobik

5' 4"
Freshman
Baltimore Celtic GA
M
Isabella Franco

#12 Isabella Franco

5' 5"
Freshman
Beach FC ECNL
F
Natalie Centurione

#25 Natalie Centurione

5' 3"
Freshman
Cedar Stars Academy
F