Tigerville, SC – It’s a great day to be a Crusader! In their first win of the season the Crusaders blew out the Tusculum Pioneers 16 – 5. The scoring was early, often, and in massive quantities for the Crusaders as six ladies posted multiple goals. It was all about outlasting the Pioneers as the Crusaders scored in waves during the last nine minutes of each half. The Crusaders took advantage of turnovers by the Pioneers capitalizing on the easy goals, while making several incredible plays along the way.

At the beginning of the game North Greenville got off to a hot start with a goal from Brenis Napoli (Junior) at the 25:02 mark. The Pioneers punched back just minutes later, But Rachel Kellogg (Junior) scored again for the Crusaders off the free position. Again, the Pioneers came back with a goal of their own and then the flood gates opened for the Crusaders. At the 9:27 mark Olivia Foltz (Freshman) scored her first goal of the season, then captain Jillian Chiesa (Junior) scored with 8:35 left in the half. One after another the Crusaders berated the Pioneer goalie finding pay dirt on the majority of their attempts. Hannah Hawkins (Junior) and Aly Estes (Junior) got in on the scoring while Hawkins, Foltz, and Kellogg all scored their second goals of the game before halftime.

The Crusaders not only took advantage of the turnovers by the Pioneers, but they shot well off their free possessions. Three of the Crusaders goal in the first half and two of their goals in the second half came from the eight- or 12-meter mark.

In an oddly similar half, the Crusaders opened the flood gate after the Pioneers started a little run of their own bringing the game within seven goals. Maegan Easler (Freshman) got in on the scoring netting two goals in the second half while other Crusaders continued their scoring from the second half. What should not be overlooked is the way the Crusaders played defense. Although some of the turnovers were unforced the Crusaders forced 22 turnovers by the Pioneers and capitalized on the turnovers that were possible. The Crusaders only allowed five shots on goal and seven shots in total throughout the entire game. Goalie Sydney Taylor (Senior) commanded the defense well and even helped to cause a couple turnovers herself.

Individually, Brenis Napoli netted 3 goals, while shooting 75%. Olivia Foltz and Hanna Hawkins also scored 3 goals apiece. Maegan Easler, Rachel Kellogg, and Jillian Chiesa all scored 2 goals throughout the game.

The Crusader will look to carry their momentum into their next game as they take on Barton College on Friday, February 15^th. The first draw is set for 1 pm.