Rock Hill, S.C. – Winthrop women’s soccer soared to a 3-0 victory over South Carolina State on Senior Day, behind a hat trick by Monssi Avila Gutierrez.
Winthrop (2-5-1, 0-0 Big South) 3, South Carolina State (0-7-1 0-0 MEAC) 0
Scoring Summary
9′ – WINTHROP – Avila-Gutierrez (Amalie Steen)
83′ – WINTHROP – Avila-Gutierrez (Penalty)
88′ – WINTHROP – Avila-Gutierrez (Cameron Celce)
Game Recap
- Cordelia McIntosh put an early shot on frame before the Eagles went ahead 1-0 at 8:59, when Avila-Gutierrez scored off an assist from Steen.
- The Eagles continued to create chances after the goal, including a saved shot by Aubrey Earman and another corner kick shortly after taking the lead.
- From 24:57 to 37:14, the Eagles took four shots and a corner kick, with Ashley Ross and Sophia Balliet each forcing saves during the stretch.
- South Carolina St. had two late shots miss the target before Ross took the final Eagles shot of the half, and the Eagles led 1-0 at halftime.
- In the second half, Mia Ruffalo made saves on South Carolina St. shots at 48:13 and 55:04 as the visitors generated early second-half chances.
- The Eagles built pressure from there, putting together seven shots from 66:53 through 82:36, including saved attempts by Ross and Earman.
- Avila-Gutierrez converted a penalty kick at 82:47 to push the Eagles ahead 2-0, then scored again at 87:53 off a Celce assist for the 3-0 final.
Notables
- Monssi Avila-Gutierrez became the first Winthrop women’s soccer player to record a hat trick since 2022 when Annabel Thomas did it, also against South Carolina State.
- Mia Ruffalo played all 90 minutes in goal, made two saves, and recorded a shutout.
- Ashley Ross led the Eagles with five shots and placed three on goal.
- Amelie Steen and Cameron Celce added assists for the Eagles.
Looking Ahead
The Eagles are back home on Saturday, September 19 as they will host Charleston Southern at 6 p.m.
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Story courtesy of Winthrop Athletics.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
