COLUMBIA, S.C. — Sara Ritter scored five goals on six shots, including four in the second half, as the University of Pikeville women's soccer team defeated Columbia College (S.C.) 5-1 Saturday at Younts Stadium.
Ritter opened the scoring in the 20th minute, finding the back of the net at the 19:29 mark to give the Bears an early 1-0 advantage.
UPIKE continued to pressure the Columbia defense, and Ritter struck again in the 32nd minute to double the Bears' lead. Columbia responded just 90 seconds later, as Gwenna Townsend cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 34th minute.
The Bears took the one-goal advantage into halftime despite holding a 9-4 edge in shots during the opening 45 minutes.
UPIKE's defense held firm early in the second half, with goalkeeper Claire Cress making a save on Malia Kincaid in the 52nd minute to preserve the Bears' lead.
The Bears then broke the game open in the final 10 minutes.
Ritter completed her hat trick in the 82nd minute, scoring her third goal of the afternoon to put Pikeville ahead 3-1.
Just over two minutes later, Ritter found the net again, this time off an assist from Rebekah Christopher, extending the lead to 4-1 in the 84th minute.
Ritter capped the scoring in the 88th minute, connecting on an assist from Kylie Ritter to complete her five-goal performance and give the Bears the 5-1 victory.
Ritter finished with six shots, all of which were on target, while Ava Smith and Anna Dudas each added a shot on goal. Meisha Salisbury and Laura Nino each recorded two shots.
Christopher and Kylie Ritter each contributed an assist in the victory.
Cress played all 90 minutes in goal, making four saves to earn the win.
UPIKE finished the afternoon with a 15-8 advantage in shots and put nine attempts on frame. The Bears also earned three corner kicks while limiting Columbia to two.
The victory moves UPIKE to 4-3 on the season.
The Bears return home Wednesday, Sept. 23, welcoming Bluefield University (Va.) to the Bob Amos Complex for another Appalachian Athletic Conference matchup. Kickoff is set for 5 PM.
--UPIKE--
