Copyright 2016; Wilmington University. All rights reserved. Photo of Perry against Millersville, taken by James Jones.
NEWARK, Del. - - The Wilmington University women's soccer team closed out its nonconference schedule with a 5-1 victory over Millersville on Thursday afternoon at the WU Athletics Complex.
The Wildcats (9-6) used four different goal scorers to get their five goals as freshman Gabby Perry scored twice to cap the victory. Millersville (5-9) closed the gap to 2-1 in the first half but the Wildcats scored the final three goals of the game to run away with the win.
A strong first half carried the Wildcats, outshooting the Marauders, 10-3, to open things up. Loran Wyrough regained the team lead with her eighth goal of the year in the seventh minute, shooting one over the Millersville's goalkeeper from just outside the 18-yard box.
The Wildcats put in their next shot in the game as well, taking a 2-0 lead in the 14th minute with a cannon shot form Teigha Ward. The junior transferred tied Wyrough for the team lead with her eighth goal of the year, her third goal in three games with her left foot from outside the penalty area.
The Marauders cut the lead in half in the 28th minute, using a long ball over the top to free Amanda Mcelhare behind the defense.
But the Wildcats quickly responded with a first half insurance goal in the 33rd minute, slotting a pass down the middle to Gabrielle Perry. Perry scored her fourth goal of the season off a feed from Rebecca Dolhansky to give the Wildcats a 3-1 lead at the break.
Millersville put the pressure on the Wildcats to start the second half, but couldn't crack goalkeeper Martina Stewart. The Wildcats responded once again with a pair of goals to wrap up the second half, eventually out shooting the Marauders, 6-5, in the second half as well.
Melissa Gall put the Wildcats ahead 4-1 in the 70th minute, burying a free-kick opportunity from 25 yards out. Her shot from straight ahead rose over the wall before dipping under the crossbar for her third goal of the year. Gabby Perry capped the scoring the 81st minute, scoring her second goal of the match for the 5-1 lead. She received a pass from Ward in the box, gathered the loose ball and finished off a turnaround shot form 11 yards out for her fifth of the year.
Martina Stewart made three saves on the day to record her first win as a Wildcat. Katie Mujica recorded four saves for the Marauders after coming on for Samantha Wolfe in the 20th minute.
The Wildcats return to Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference play for their final two regular season games, starting with their final home game on Saturday. The team will host Nyack at the WU Athletics Complex with a 12:00 p.m. start.
