New College of Florida Women's Soccer opened Sun Conference play with a 3-0 road victory over previously unbeaten Warner University (6-1-0, 0-1-0) Saturday morning.
The Mighty Banyans (6-0-1, 1-0-0) scored three times during the opening half behind goals from Faith Hardy, Aubrey Mau and Naomi Woerner.
Hardy and Woerner each recorded their 10th goal of the season and remain tied for the NCF single-season program record. Avaya Wright made four saves to secure NCF's first shutout in conference play.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Warner created the first dangerous opportunity, hitting the crossbar in the fourth minute, but NCF struck first at the 11:55 mark.
Woerner found Hardy, who converted the opportunity for her 10th goal of the season and a 1-0 Mighty Banyan advantage.
NCF doubled its lead in the 27th minute. After attempts from Hardy and Lea Scott were blocked, Mau collected the opportunity and found the back of the net for her fourth goal of the season.
Mau helped create the third goal just over 10 minutes later, finding Woerner at the 36:36 mark. Woerner converted for her 10th goal of the year, tying Hardy atop the program's single-season record book.
NCF entered halftime with a 3-0 advantage after scoring on three of its six first-half shots.
Warner increased the pressure after the break, but Wright and the Mighty Banyan defense protected the shutout.
Wright made saves in the 61st, 80th and 83rd minutes during the second half. She finished with four stops as NCF held Warner scoreless for the first time this season.
THE TURNING POINT
NCF turned a one-goal advantage into complete control during the final 20 minutes of the opening half.
Mau scored in the 27th minute before assisting Woerner at the 36:36 mark, giving the Mighty Banyans a 3-0 lead heading into halftime.
Wright and the NCF defense protected the advantage throughout the second half to hand Warner its first loss of the season.
BY THE NUMBERS
10
Goals apiece for Hardy and Woerner, who remain tied for the NCF single-season program record.
6
Wins through seven matches for the unbeaten Mighty Banyans.
4
Saves recorded by Wright.
3
First-half goals scored by three different NCF players.
1
Sun Conference victory for the Mighty Banyans.
STAT LEADERS
Goals: Faith Hardy - 1; Aubrey Mau - 1; Naomi Woerner - 1
Assists: Aubrey Mau - 1; Naomi Woerner - 1
Shots: Naomi Woerner - 4; Aubrey Mau - 3; Faith Hardy - 2; Sarah Benjamin - 1; Lea Scott - 1
Shots on Goal: Aubrey Mau - 2; Naomi Woerner - 2; Faith Hardy - 1
Goalkeeper: Avaya Wright - 90 minutes, 0 goals allowed, 4 saves
UP NEXT: NCF will visit No. 1 Keiser University Wednesday at 11 a.m. EST.
