There is no place like home for the John Carroll University Women's soccer team, who remains undefeated on their home turf.
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Both John Carroll and Kenyon College held a 2-3-1 prior to the Sunday afternoon meeting, but a three goal first half from the hosts cemented a victory over Kenyon at Don Shula Stadium.
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The win preserves JCU's undefeated home record in 2016. Kenyon becomes the third team to leave University Heights with a loss this year.
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John Carroll came out of the gates strong when senior
Dre Regrut stepped forward to take a free kick in the first minute of action. A powerful strike bounced over the line and into the goal, giving the Blue Streaks and early 1-0 lead.
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The energy kept up with a second goal in the fourth minute when freshman
Jaclyn Audino added her name to the score sheet. Sophomore Madde Fisher was credited with the assist.
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Play slowed down for the latter part of the first half. Ladies' freshman goalkeeper Maria Paparella was credited with one save during a 28-minute scoreless drought. The Blue and Gold would however cure the scoring drought when sophomore
Bailey Fischer slotted home a 34
th minute goal. Junior
Justina Fortson was on the assisting end of the final tally in the opening half.
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The Blue Streaks took the 3-0 lead into the break.
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The second half started slow with the same 3-0 holding up in the first 23 minutes of play. An insurance tally would come for the Blue Streaks in the form of a 67
th minute strike from
Maddy Fisher. The mid-second half scoring mark gave the Blue Streaks a conformable lead for the final part of the match.
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Fisher highlighted the offensive pressure, saying, Â "[I was] looking to attack and keep the pressure up on Kenyon."
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The Ladies were brought to the boards by a goal from senior Maggie Smith in the 84
th minute of play, but that was not enough to stop John Carroll's now 4-1 lead.
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John Carroll proved ever forceful at home with this victory over Kenyon College. Fisher also commented on the preparation period presented by the coaching staff, saying, "Coach [Marich] told us to go out there and play and we played above their level the whole 90 minutes. We played like a team and I was proud."
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With this win, John Carroll improves to 3-3-1, and will be traveling to Granville, Ohio on Wednesday, September 21
st to face Denison University.Â
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