Wise, VA – Charleston opened its season with a demanding doubleheader on the road, facing UVA Wise and Emory & Henry University on the same day. The Golden Eagles split the pair, falling to the Cavaliers before bouncing back with a dominant win over the Wasps.
Game 1
The Basics
- Location: Beaty-Richmond Field at Carl Smith Stadium
- Final Score: UC 11, UVA 15
- Records: Charleston (0-1), UVA Wise (1-0)
How It Happened
UVA Wise controlled the opening draw of the season and struck quickly, scoring just 30 seconds into the game. Madison Partridge and Sylvi Jenner responded for Charleston, giving the Golden Eagles a 2–1 lead with 6:47 remaining in the first quarter. Despite strong defensive play on both sides, no further goals were scored in the opening frame.
Partridge stayed hot to begin the second quarter, netting her second goal just 15 seconds in. UVA Wise answered immediately, regaining momentum and building a 4–3 lead less than four minutes later. Alyse Weber tied the game at four with her first goal of the season, but penalties proved costly for Charleston. The Cavaliers capitalized on a Golden Eagle green card, scoring twice to take a 6–4 lead into halftime.
The second half opened rough for UC, as UVA Wise scored three goals in the first five minutes. Two more Charleston green cards allowed the Cavaliers to extend their advantage to 10–4 with another man-up goal. Partridge sparked a response, taking matters into her own hands with three goals in just one minute. Her first was assisted by Hayden Slinkard, followed by two more set up by Sylvi Jenner. UVA Wise added a late goal to close the third quarter ahead 11–7.
Jayden Ballance scored her first collegiate goal early in the fourth quarter, but the Cavaliers' offense continued to roll, adding three goals in the opening minutes of the final period to build a 14–8 lead. Charleston continued to fight but couldn't close the gap, as UVA Wise secured the 15–11 win.
Game 2
The Basics
- Location: Beaty-Richmond Field at Carl Smith Stadium
- Final Score: UC 16, E&H 5
- Records: Charleston (1-1), Emory & Henry (0-1)
How It Happened
Just a few hours later, the Golden Eagles returned to the field to face Emory & Henry. The Wasps scored first three minutes in, but Charleston quickly took control. Lilian Garrett and Ella Russano converted free-position shots to swing the lead back to UC. Darby Stolz followed with a goal assisted by Lyla Weir, before Emilee Franklin and Jordan McCloskey capped the quarter to give Charleston a 5–1 lead.
Charleston maintained its momentum in the second quarter. Allie Drake extended the lead to 6–1 before Emory & Henry capitalized on a Jayden Ballance yellow card for their second goal. The Golden Eagles responded emphatically, closing the half with four unanswered goals from four different scorers to take a commanding 10–2 lead into halftime.
Coach Luciano made a change in goal to begin the second half, giving Kaylee Sullivan minutes after Rachel Pongonis played the first half. Emory & Henry controlled the opening draw and scored twice early in the third quarter. Following a timeout, Charleston reasserted control. Ballance scored off another Stolz assist, sparking a five-goal run that pushed UC's lead to 15–4 entering the fourth.
The final quarter was quiet by comparison. Ballance scored with 9:55 remaining after a Wasps turnover and a ground ball pickup by Drake. Emory & Henry answered one minute later, but that would be the final goal of the game as Charleston cruised to a 16–5 victory.
Next Up
Charleston remains on the road, traveling to Ashland for a matchup on Saturday, February 14, with first draw scheduled for 2 p.m.
