Video recap at bottom of page.
Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. Photo of Ward's third goal against Concordia, taken by James Jones.
NEWARK, Del. - - Teigha Ward tied a Wilmington University women's soccer program single game record with four goals on Saturday, leading the team to a 7-1 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference victory over Concordia at the WU Athletics Complex.
The junior transfer joins teammate Loran Wyrough atop the program record, marking it the fourth time in school history four goals have been scored by one player. Wyrough has performed the feat twice, also joining Kirsten Stallone's mark from 2007.
The win keeps the Wildcats in a tie for second place in the CACC with an 8-5 overall record and 7-2 in the conference. An improved Concordia (2-10, 1-9 CACC) squad had their chances as well, but the difference was the Wildcats capitalized on their opportunities.
Ward got the scoring started in gran fashion in the 23 minute, blasting a left-footed shot from 17-yards out. She shot hit the underside of the crossbar and shot straight down, bouncing over the endline for the 1-0 lead. Her next shot of the game put the Wildcats ahead 2-0, again using her left foot for a blast from just about the same distance but from the opposite side of the 18-yard box.
The floodgates opened up in the second half, starting just three minutes into the period. Ward was at it again, getting in behind the defense on the right side, making a run all the way to the endline. Her pass found the foot of Riley Thompson and she was able to stuff home her own rebound for the 3-0 lead at the 48:02 mark.
Freshman Gabby Perry got in on the act in the 55th minute, making a long run down the left side, around two defenders, and into the box. She went near post for her third goal of the season and the 4-0 lead.
Ward completed the hat trick in the 71st minute, sticking with her initial shot that was saved. Thompson won a 50-50 ball in the penalty box and squeezed it through to Ward. Her first shot was saved, but Ward was right there for the rebound and the 5-0 lead.
The Wildcats also capitalized on a set piece of Saturday, getting a header goal from Melissa Gall in the 79th minute. Rebecca Dolhansky's corner we perfectly placed outside the six-yard box as Gall was able to get to it and head it home for her second of the year.
The Clippers avoided the shutout with a goal in the 80th minute, but they couldn't keep Ward out of the back of the net, as the junior tied the single game program record with her fourth goal in the 87th minute. Stephanie Alvarez played Ward down the left side, and the forward got into the box and slotted the shot far post for the 7-1 lead.
The Wildcats out-shot the Clippers, 21-10, while also earning more corners, 16-1, for the match. Goalkeeper Kierstyn Williams recorded two saves for the win.
The Wildcats remain in CACC play for their next game, heading to Philadelphia on Tuesday afternoon. The CACC showdown is scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. start.
