by Zack Ciboth
The UNC Pembroke women’s soccer team picked up their first win of the season with a dominant 7-0 win over the North Greenville Trailblazers Saturday afternoon on the road. The Braves struck fast and early and never looked back putting away the Trailblazers to start Conference Carolinas off 1-0.
Maria Cancio kicked things off right away for the Braves scoring a goal on a collision with North Greenville’s goalie to make it 1-0. The goal came off an assist from Key ‘Patra Morgan in the 4th minute. Five minutes late Anna Grossheim found Mercy Bell on a throw that was netted in the back of the net for a hat trick to make it 2-0.
The Braves started out the second half like the first half scoring a goal early from Shakira Kafero Roberts off an assist from Bell to put UNCP up 3-0. Kafero Roberts scored once again in the 60th minute breaking free from her defender and finding the back of the net. Up 4-0 the Braves kept pouring on from a goal from Grossheim to make it 5-0.
The Braves added on with two more goals from Bell off an assist from Morgan and Maya McDonald’s assist found the foot of Grossheim to finish off scoring and secured a huge opening conference win.
Bell led the way with a career high 11 shots on and recorded six shots on goal tying a career high for her. Morgan recorded her first two assist of the season and her career in the win. Goalies Anna Bass and Piper Hill combined for a perfect sheet in the shutout.
UNCP (1-2, 1-0 CC) will continue Conference Carolinas play Wednesday, September 18, as they host Francis Marion (1-1-1, 1-0 CC) for Youth Day and the Battle of I-95. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.