CINCINNATI, Ohio — The Mount St. Joseph University women's soccer team defeated Bluffton University 8-0 at home to win the HCAC regular-season title outright.
The Mount St. Joseph University women's soccer team has won the HCAC regular-season title with an 8-0-1 conference record. The Lions have gone back-to-back, winning the conference last year as well. The Mount has been dominant in conference play, posting a three-year record of 24-1-2 in HCAC competition.
The Lions dominated from start to finish. Preslee Rugg opened the scoring in the 27th minute off an assist from Rachel Ginn. Just two minutes later, Kendal Fox found the back of the net on a pass from Mary Anhofer, giving the Mount a 2-0 lead. The Lions went into halftime up 2-0, outshooting the Beavers 16-1 in the first half.
In the second half, the offense continued to flow as Layla Youtsler scored off double assists from Mary Anhofer and Abby Cole. Five minutes later, Rachel Ginn found the back of the net on a pass from Rose Barnes. Less than two minutes later, Ginn struck again, with Barnes adding her second assist of the game. In the 64th minute, Abby Cole converted a penalty kick to extend the lead. In the 78th minute, Gabrielle Eagan scored off an assist from Kaitlyn Lampe, and less than two minutes later, Eagan tallied her second goal of the match on Lampe's second assist.
The Lions scored six goals in the second half and outshot Bluffton 20-2 after the break. The Mount's defense was outstanding, allowing just three shots in the entire game. Goalkeeper Megan Kallmeyer secured her third consecutive shutout.
UP NEXT: The Lions will host the HCAC semifinals on Tuesday, November 4, at 7 p.m. at Schueler Field. Their opponent is yet to be determined.
