Methodist downs Bishop women in soccer action, 9-1

Rocky Mount, NC - Methodist's Whitney Roberson and Chrystal Bradley each recorded hat tricks, leading their Monarch women's soccer squad to a 9-1 win over homestanding North Carolina Wesleyan on Wednesday afternoon at Scalf Field.  The Monarchs forged a 6-0 halftime advantage and did not look back in improving to 9-3 on the season, 4-0 in conference play.  With the loss, the Battling Bishops are now 4-6-1 overall, 2-4-0 in USA South action.

Methodist jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead with goals in the 5th, 7th, 13th, 16th, and 17th minutes.  Roberson recorded her three goals during that span, including the eventual gamewinner at the 6:50 mark off of a Marie Finley assist.  Bradley had previously opened up the scoring with the game's first goal just 4:57 into the match.

Also tallying first-half goals for the Monarchs were Michelle Anderson and Christina Layson.

The second half saw the Bishops get on the board when sophomore Reva McCloud booted home a Meredith Hester cross at the 51:36 mark. 

Up 6-1, however, Methodist put to rest any thoughts of a comeback with three more goals during a seven minute span, beginning at the 60:54 mark on Bradley's second goal from Finley.  She completed her hat trick minutes later on a penalty kick, and Layson rounded out the scoring just 1:10 later when she netted a deflection for her second goal of the contest.

Methodist out-shot Wesleyan 24-14 in the match, while Monarch keepers Amanda Evans and Erin Swanson each recorded three saves in goal.  Cary Trump and Bryanne Godfrey split time between the posts for the Bishops, combining for four saves on the day.

The Bishops will return to action at Scalf Field on Saturday when they host Washington & Lee at 1:00 p.m.  Saturday will serve as Senior Day.