The Lady Bruins wrapped up their two-game road trip on Saturday as the team scored six second-half goals to defeat Johnson University (TN) 8-0 in Knoxville, Tennessee. With the win, the Bruins improve to 10-6 on the season.
"We were able to utilize the things we've been working on in training and it showed today," Bruins Sophomore Caroline Hartzler said after the win. Hartzler scored a pair of goals in the second half for the team. "We had good possession today and played together as a team throughout the game to get the win."
It was a dominant performance after the Bruins took the pitch less than 24 hours after defeating Brevard College in double-overtime on Friday night. The Royals came into the game on the heels of a 1-0 victory over Toccoa Falls on Tuesday.
From the opening kickoff, the Bruins came out strong as they established their pace of play with great possession. Abby Herr helped the Bruins break into the scoring column first as she bent in a beautiful corner kick to put the team up 1-0. The Bruins added another goal before the end of the first half as Brinkley Adams created space past the Royals defense and scored on a well-placed shot to give the Bruins a 2-0 lead at the half.
In the second half, the Bruins continued to use great combination play to free up scoring lanes. Caitlyn Benson scored her first career goal with the team on a blistering shot from outside the box to make it 3-0. The Bruins kept up the pressure as Krisyn Rygh scored a goal off an assist from Hannah Johnston to make it 4-0.
From there, the Bruins continued to dominate the pace of play and possession as Bailey Martin and Caroline Hartzler scored to make it 6-0. With the half winding down, the Bruins added a goal from Jenny Townsend and another from Hartzler as the team won in convincing fashion 8-0 over Johnson University (TN).
"We played very well and the whole team stepped up and kept the pressure on for the full 90 minutes," Bruins Head Coach Chris Carmichael said. "Our possession continues to improve with each passing game and our off-the-ball mobility was exceptional. We need a quick day of recovery before welcoming Piedmont on Monday."
Hartzler led the way for the Bruins with two goals while Abby Herr added a goal and two assists. Jenny Townsend scored her first goal of the season and also added an assist in the win.
Next up, the Bruins will be back home on Monday night as the team welcomes Piedmont College to Alumni Stadium. The kickoff for the match is set for 6 p.m.
