SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- Behind a first half hat trick from sophomore Katherine Keys, the John Brown University women's soccer team put on an offensive masterclass for the Blue and Gold supporters on First Friday Futbol, as the Golden Eagles ran away with an 11-0 win over Avila (Mo.) on Friday evening (Aug. 29) at Alumni Field.
JBU (2-0-0) has outscored opponents 15-0 so far on the young season, and the 11 goals finished tied for the third-most scored in program history on its home grounds. John Brown has hit double digits six times in Siloam Springs since the program began in 2002.
Six different players scored for the hosts, which scored in the fourth minute and later netted three goals in a eight-minute span to take a 5-0 lead into the intermission, including Keys' natural hat trick.
Fifth-year senior Kaelyn Mole turned in an outstanding performance, including a sublime header off a feed from junior Julia Lambert on the right flank for JBU's insurance policy in the 19th minute. Lambert opened the scoring at the 3:05 mark off helpers from sophomore Caitlin Hilson and freshman Bella Bingham.
After Key's three consecutive goals, Hilson added a tally of her own – as did freshman Andi Riley – as the duo recorded their first collegiate goals, respectively, capitalizing on a tilted pitch that featured a 44-4 shooting advantage for the hosts.
JBU was the receipient of an Avila own goal to move the difference to seven, as freshman Joy Long scored in her second consecutive match and senior Olivia Fish closed the scoring in the 84th minute of play.
Bingham and Hilson each dished out two assists, as did sophomore Tianna Jones, who finished as one of three Golden Eagles to send at least three shots on frame.
Sophomore Marely Fonseca (2-0-0) was called upon for a pair of pedestrian saves, to accompany a shocking three shots on goal. The visiting Eagles (1-1-0) cycled through three goalkeepers – Mia Kristensen, Jocelyn Zettergren and Shae Sweeney – to finish the night with 11 saves on 22 chances.
With the win, the season-opening homestand comes to a close for John Brown. The Golden Eagles will now head out to the Centennial State to host an invitational that will feature a trio of top-25 programs in No. 3 College of Idaho, No. 17 Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) and No. 23 Science & Arts (Okla.). JBU will take on Embry-Riddle on Thursday evening (Sept. 4) at 8 p.m. The match will not have live video, but live stats will be available on JBUathletics.com.
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