Soccer Posts 3-0 Win at St. Andrews

LAURINBURG, N.C.— The Fighting Koalas (2-1-0) posted their second shutout in three games this season while outshooting the Lady Knights by a commanding 24-5 margin to grab a 3-0 victory.

Knott kept the Royal Blue & White in the game stopping the visitor’s first seven shots on goal before Columbia was able to break through in the 43rd minute. Sophomore Heather Moore ripped a long-range direct kick just under the cross bar. Moore’s first goal of the season provided the Koalas with a one-goal cushion at halftime.

Columbia added a pair of insurance goals in the second half. Freshman Jessica Martinez doubled up the Koalas advantage in the 53rd minute. Martinez headed in a rebounded shot from just in front of the goal off a freshman Clare Williamson blast that ricocheted off the cross bar.

Williamson, who was credited with an assist on Martinez’ team-high third goal, netted her first collegiate goal in the 61st minute to complete the Columbia scoring. Williamson stole the ball in the left corner and dribbled towards the net before depositing an accurate shot inside the near post from a tough angle to finish off her three-point performance.

The Knights had a great chance to take an early lead when sophomore Megan Jolly fed a ball to junior Olivia Taylor for a breakaway in the opening minutes. However, freshman goalie Elise Grider corralled the loose ball at the top of the 18-yard box before Taylor could get off a shot. Senior Marie Savage almost broke up the shutout bid in the 69th minute with a hard shot but freshman backup keeper Lauren Zarefoss made the save.

Grider (2-1) notched one save over the first 64 minutes while Zarefoss stopped two shots over the final 26 minutes as the duo teamed up for their second combined shutout of the young season.

Knott made seven of her SAPC career-high 11 saves in the first half (her previous high was 10 saves against UNC Pembroke in 2009). The Jacksonville, N.C., product transferred to St. Andrews before her junior season and has started in 18 consecutive games for the Lady Knights.

Columbia College next faces off against Warren Wilson College at 2:00 pm at Younts Soccer Stadium on Saturday, Septmeber 4th.

Article contributed by Kevin Buczek, Sports Information Director, St. Andrews College