Winthrop women’s soccer earned its first Big South Conference victory of the season Wednesday night, defeating Presbyterian College 4-0 at Eagle Field in Rock Hill.
The Eagles improved to 4-9-1 overall and 1-4 in conference play, while Presbyterian fell to 3-8-1 and 0-5 in the Big South.
Lila Bowers led Winthrop with two goals, recording the first multi-goal performance of her collegiate career.
Monssi Avila-Gutierrez opened the scoring in the 39th minute, giving the Eagles a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime. Bowers extended the lead to 2-0 by converting a penalty kick in the 61st minute.
Ashley Ross added another goal in the 65th minute, finishing an assist from Amelie Steen to put Winthrop ahead 3-0. Bowers completed the scoring in the 81st minute on an assist from Zaria Winston.
Winthrop controlled the offensive attack, outshooting Presbyterian 14-8. The Eagles generated scoring opportunities throughout the match and converted four times to secure the shutout.
Goalkeeper Mia Ruffalo played all 90 minutes and recorded six saves to keep Presbyterian off the scoreboard. Her performance helped the Eagles close out their first conference win of the season.
The victory provides momentum for Winthrop as it continues its Big South schedule.
The Eagles will remain at home Saturday, Oct. 17, to host Gardner-Webb. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Eagle Field in Rock Hill.
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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.
