PEMBROKE, N.C. - Three different players found the back of the net as the No. 7 Columbus State University women's soccer team won its first match in Pembroke, N.C. in four years with a 3-1 decision over UNC Pembroke on Thursday. The Peach Belt Conference match took place at Lumbee River EMC Stadium.
After UNC Pembroke (4-2-0, 4-2-0 PBC) knotted the match at one in the 33rd minute, Vanessa Aviles and Rachael Sweigard score goals to lift Columbus State to the victory.
"This is a difficult place to play, and I'm proud of the ladies for responding to the challenge," commented head coach Jay Entlich. "We could've packed in it after they tied it up, but give credit to our team for finding a way to a much-needed win."
Columbus State (4-0-1, 4-0-1) got on the board first in the 17th minute as Kelly Hendricks snuck one by the UNPC goalkeeper for her first goal of the year. Maddy Peterson and Anna Grady picked up assists during the leadup.
It didn't take CSU long to retake the lead following UNCP's goal in the 32nd minute. On an attack, Columbus State was fouled in the box to set up a penalty kick chance for Aviles in the 37th minute. The freshman sized the chance, beating the goalkeeper to the left.
The Lady Cougars began to barrage the Lady Braves in the second half. In the 60th minute, Ireland Bryant fired a shot on goal that was blocked before Rachael Sweigard scored on the second-chance opportunity.
Columbus State outshot UNC Pembroke 17-7, including a 10-2 margin in the second half.
UP NEXT
Columbus State will make the short trip to Americus, Ga. to face Georgia Southwestern University on Monday, March 15. Kickoff is at 5 p.m.
LADY COUGAR NOTES
• Columbus State had lost its past two games in Pembroke before Thursday's win.
• CSU is now unbeaten in their last 13 regular-season matches. CSU is 12-0-1 during the stretch.
• Eight different players have now scored for CSU following Hendricks' goal.
• CSU head coach Jay Entlich is now two wins away from 300 in his collegiate career.
• Aviles is now 3-for-3 in PKs this season.
• With its three goals on Wednesday, Columbus State now leads the PBC in total goals with 13.
• Peterson is second in the PBC in assists with three. The senior has 13 in her career.
