SWEET BRIAR, Va. – The Sweet Briar College soccer team (1-0-0, 0-0-0ODAC) kicked off the 2025 season with a 1-0 victory at Meyer Field over the Patrick Henry College Sentinels (0-1-0). The Vixens controlled possession from the outset, peppering the Patrick Henry defense with a barrage of shots throughout both halves.
Right from kickoff, Sweet Briar asserted control, registering 16 shots to Patrick Henry's six in the opening half. They were aggressive on attack, continually pressuring Patrick Henry's defense and forcing its goalkeeper into repeated action, including multiple attempts by juniors
Alexis Diaz (Connelly Springs, N.C.) and
Emily Michel (Centennial, Colo.) and first-years
Elena Fomin (Middlesex County, Va.) and
Sadie Swart (Bowie, Md.). The breakthrough finally arrived at 22:39, when Michel capitalized on an assist from Swart to net the lone goal of the contest, putting Sweet Briar ahead 1-0. The half saw Sweet Briar take the only lead of the match, while their defense conceded just a handful of chances and goalkeeper junior
Mia Viccora (Fairfax, Va.) calmly handled each shot on goal.
Sweet Briar intensified their offensive onslaught in the second half, launching an astonishing 32 shots, many of which were on target. Diaz and sophomore
Electra McPherson (Madison Heights, Va.) spearheaded the attack, frequently testing the Sentinels' goalkeeper. Sweet Briar's midfield dictated play, maintaining possession and creating chance after chance, but despite their dominance and several close-range opportunities, they were unable to add to their tally.
Defensively, the Vixens remained disciplined, allowing only two Patrick Henry shots for the entire half and just four on target during the match. Viccora completed the clean sheet with a total of four saves. The second half, much like the first, was characterized by Sweet Briar's relentless attacks and firm defensive structure, ensuring their early lead held to the final whistle.
Highlights
- For the third-straight year, Michel has tallied the first goal of the season for Sweet Briar.
- Swart's assist marked her first collegiate point.
What's Next
The Vixens will remain at home next week as they take on Regent on Sept. 3rd.
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