I called it on Monday. Makenzy Doniak is my favorite first-year. She notched two of the Cavaliers' three goals Wednesday night at Klöckner Stadium against Liberty University, extending her scoring streak to three games (out of three total). That also extended Virginia's winning streak against the Flames to twelve games (out of twelve total). I'm noticing a trend. Hopefully both continue for a long time.
One of last year's breakout stars, senior Caroline Miller, got the Wahoos on the scoreboard less than two minutes into the game. Miller took a through ball from sophomore Olivia Brannon, dribbled ahead of the entire defense and kicked it right over the head of the diving Flames goalie.
Then it was Makenzy Doniak's turn. Junior Morgan Stith kicked the ball from around midfield into the box and, with just six seconds left in the first half, Doniak put a header past the goalie into the net. It was hard to tell, but I think it also went off the head of one of the Liberty players. Oops.
Perhaps wanting a chance to make sure it was a clear goal by herself, Doniak came out of halftime and scored less than five minutes into the period. Miller passed the ball ahead to Doniak who was parallel with about three Flames defenders. She dribbled the ball, staying just slightly ahead of them, then dodged to her left around the goalie and deposited the ball in the open net. It was an impressive display.
Once again, the Cavaliers manhandled their in-state opponent statistically. Virginia outshot the Flames 19-1 after using a similar margin (25-6) against Radford on Sunday. The 'Hoos also took six corner kicks to Liberty's one.
Up next for Virginia is UNC Wilmington at Klöckner Stadium on Sunday at 2pm. The Seahawks are 0-1-1 on the season after two matches in the Virginia Tech Tournament last weekend. They fell to #22 Virginia Tech on Friday 0-1 in double overtime and then had a scoreless tie through two overtimes against #3 Wake Forest on Sunday. Though they are winless (and, in fact, scoreless), UNC-W looks to be one of the tougher opponents during this homestand.