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Three games. Three shutouts. Three multi-goal games. A number three ranking. A 3-0 record.
The #3 Virginia women's soccer team hasn't exactly faced the toughest stretch of its season so far. But the results have been impressive nonetheless.
The Cavaliers, who won't face a ranked team until they see #2 Florida State on September 28th, ran through the opening home slate of Marshall, Richmond and Villanova by a combined tally of 12-0. The goalkeepers for Virginia have only had a combined three saves, all of which came against Richmond.
Two Fridays ago, the Cavaliers started off the season with a 3-0 victory over Marshall. Juniors Makenzy Doniak and Kaili Torres and sophomore Alexis Shaffer each scored a goal, while everyone's favorite U.S. Women's team member Morgan Brian tallied two assists. Sophomore goalkeeper Morgan Stearns played just under 79 minutes, allowing no goals and not even needing to register a save. Fellow sophomore GK Jessie Ferrari played out the remaining 11+ minutes also allowing no goals and registering no saves. 1-0.
This past Friday, Virginia hosted the in-state Spiders and the result was much of the same. Junior Brittany Ratcliffe scored two goals, while Shaffer and sophomore Meghan Cox each notched a goal. Senior Danielle Colaprico had two assists while Brian and Doniak each had an assist. Stearns and Ferrari each played a half, allowing no goals and recording a total of three saves (2 and 1, respectively). 2-0.
On Sunday, the Wildcats of Villanova came to town. They left with their tail between their legs just like the Spiders and the Thundering Herd. Or at least the Herd. Buffalo have tails. Spiders... notsomuch... but you get the point. Ratcliffe (2), Doniak (1), Torres (1) and freshman Veronica Latsko (1) scored for the Cavaliers. Stearns played the entire game, allowing no goals and recording no saves. 3-0.
Up next for the Cavaliers is a road swing through Alabama. On Friday, Virginia heads to Tuscaloosa to face the Crimson Tide at 8pm (Eastern). Alabama is 2-1-1 on the season. On Sunday, the 'Hoos head to Birmingham to face Samford at 2pm (Eastern). The Bulldogs are 2-2 so far this season.