ST. JOSEPH, Minn. - Junior
Avery Soli found the back of the net twice, senior
Addison Stephani added a goal of her own, and the College of Saint Benedict soccer team opened MIAC play with a convincing 3-0 shutout over Bethel on Saturday afternoon at CSB Turf Field.
The win marks CSB's first conference victory of the season, improving the Bennies to 2-5 overall and 1-0 in MIAC play. It also resets momentum after their Sept. 17 matchup against St. Scholastica was postponed due to weather; that game will be completed on Sept. 24.
Soli delivered her second career multi-goal performance, matching her two-goal outing from last season against UW-Stevens Point. She now has three goals this season and eight for her career. Stephani added her second goal of the year — the sixth of her collegiate career — to help build a commanding early lead.
The Bennies wasted no time getting on the board, as Soli opened the scoring in the 11th minute, finishing a pass from first-year
Laila Totushek for a quick 1-0 advantage. Just three minutes later, Stephani doubled the lead off an assist from junior
Summer Seamans, putting CSB ahead 2-0. Soli capped the scoring in the 88th minute, sealing the 3-0 win with her second of the day.
Defensively, Saint Benedict remained locked in. Goalkeepers
Claire McGrath and
Rhianna Anya combined for the team's second shutout of the season. McGrath made one save in a quiet first half, while Anya — the reigning MIAC Defensive Player of the Week — came up big with six saves in the second.
CSB now turns its focus to a nonconference clash against UW-Stout, set for 3:30 p.m., on Sunday at the CSB Turf Field.