Sunday, August 23, 2015

Women's Soccer: George Mason 3 American 0

George Mason's Sarah Hardison (#5) recorded a hat trick

From our friends at AU Athletics...

American University made a run in the second half, but a hat trick from Sarah Hardison lifted George Mason to a 3-0 women's soccer victory Sunday at Reeves Field.

The Eagles fell to 0-2 on the season, while the Patriots evened their record at 1-1.

Great turnout at Reeves Field

Hardison got her three goals on assists from three different teammates in the game. The junior scored at 9:46 after connecting with a header on a cross from Emma Starr.

Emma Starr (#7) assisted on Sarah Hardison's first goal

Her goal at 30:23 came when she converted a rebound off a saved shot from Alex Myers, and Emily Littell set Hardison up for her hat trick at the top of the box for a blast at the 87:30 mark.

Soph Jenna Hamilton (#17)

American's best chance came in a flurry midway through the second half. The Eagles had four of their 10 shots in a seven-minute stretch starting in the 67th minute.

AU frosh Audrey Denkler (#29)

A corner kick from Audrey Denkler set up Allie Day in front, and her shot force Mason keeper Kirsten Glad to dive to her right and get a hand on the shot to preserve the shutout.

Kirsten Glad (#1) celebrates goal #2

Glad finished with eight saves to earn her shutout, while AU keeper Charlene Belanger finished with six saves.

Senior GK Charlene Belanger (#1)

"Our young kids do look good," said AU head coach Anabel Hering, noting her seven freshmen comprising a third of the Eagles' roster. "At times in the second half we had some chances. We need to do a better job of keeping the ball in the final third of the field. We need some scoring punch and people in the box. Our goal for the next week will be to put that together."

Junior D Hayley Mullins (#7)

The Patriots held a 17-10 edge in shots, led by seven shots from Myers. Day and Denkler each had a pair of shots to lead the AU offense.

Senior Kristen DeRiggi (#11)

American's next game is Friday at Mount St. Mary's at 7 p.m., while the Eagles return home on Sunday for a noon matchup with UMBC.

Kira Glynn Flaherty (#18) gives chase to Mason's Nia Elbeck (#24)

Click here for today's box score.