SWEET BRIAR, Va. – The Sweet Briar College soccer team (2-0-0, 0-0-0 ODAC) earned its first win over the Regent University Royals (0-2-0, 0-0-0 C2C) in nearly 10 years, thanks to a three-goal effort by the Vixens that gave them the 3-1 victory.
The first half saw both offenses pushing forward, but it was Regent who struck first, finding the net at 10:56, giving the Royals an early 1-0 lead. The Vixens responded quickly; just a few minutes later, at 13:41, as first-year
Electra McPherson (Madison Heights, Va.) drew the home side level with her first goal of the campaign, unassisted.
Both teams created several opportunities as Sweet Briar put up 15 shots with 10 on target. Sweet Briar's attack generated more pressure and earned two corners, though it was not able to break the 1-1 deadlock before halftime.
The second half began with Sweet Briar coming out strong, and junior
Alexis Diaz (Connelly Springs, N.C.) delivered the go-ahead goal at 46:40, assisted by both junior
Emily Michel (Centennial, Colo.) and sophomore
Yadira Castrejon (Connelly Springs, N.C.). This momentum kept the Vixens on the front foot, despite Regent mounting 15 shots in the half.
Still, Sweet Briar's defense held firm behind goalkeeper junior
Mia Viccora (Fairfax, Va.), who racked up ten saves for the half. The Vixens sealed the win late, with Michel finishing a chance assisted by Diaz at the 80:00 mark, extending the lead to 3-1.
Sweet Briar withstood Regent's attempts to rally in the final minutes, consistently winning the ball in midfield and closing down shooting lanes. Throughout the contest, the Vixens edged possession at 51% and committed only five fouls. The final whistle confirmed a well-earned victory for Sweet Briar, propelled by strong performances from Diaz, Michel and Viccora, as they converted their second-half opportunities and remained unbeaten.
Highlights
- With only two games played so far this season, Michel has already tied her goal total through four games last season.
- Viccora's 14 saves in tonight's contest are just four shy of her career high set in 2024.
- At 2-0, Sweet Briar has started the season with consecutive wins for the first time since 2014.
What's Next
The Vixens will head to Warren Wilson on Sept. 13th.
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