Charleston, WV – After time on the road, Charleston returned home Wednesday afternoon and delivered a dominant performance against Thomas More at the Welch Athletic Complex.
 
The Basics

• Location: Welch Athletic Complex 
• Final Score: UC 15, TMU 5 
• Records: Charleston (4-4, 0-1 MEC), Thomas More (1-7 G-MAC)

How It Happened
Charleston came out firing from the opening whistle and never looked back. Although Thomas More controlled the opening draw, the Golden Eagles quickly regained possession, and Alyse Weber opened the scoring just 90 seconds into the game. Madison Partridge followed with a goal of her own, and Sylvi Jenner added another, capping a three-goal burst in under five minutes. Partridge and Mahlina McFadden closed out the first quarter scoring as Charleston held the Saints scoreless.
The momentum carried into the second quarter, with Partridge and Jenner striking again within the first minute. After Emilee Franklin's shot was saved, Thomas More capitalized on the transition for its first goal. Charleston responded immediately. Taking advantage of a green card, Hayden Slinkard found the back of the net, followed shortly by Darby Stolz. Franklin, Jenner, McFadden, and Ella Creagh all added goals before halftime, sending Charleston into the break with a commanding 13-1 lead.

In the second half, Rachel Pongonis took over in goal as head coach Ryland Luciano showcased the team's depth. The offense continued its strong play early in the third quarter, with goals from Creagh, Jordan McCloskey, and Slinkard in the opening five minutes. Charleston's scoring pace slowed late in the quarter, while the Saints added a pair of goals to make it 16-3 heading into the fourth.
Freshman goalkeeper Kaylee Sullivan entered for the final period. The fourth quarter proved to be the most competitive, but Charleston remained in control. Madelyn Hillman netted her first collegiate goal with 10:44 remaining to extend the lead. Thomas More answered shortly after and added the game's final goal, but the outcome was never in doubt as Charleston secured a 17-5 victory.

Charleston finished with a decisive edge in shots (27-16) and shots on goal (22-8), while also going a perfect 11-for-11 on clears. The offense was balanced, with 10 different players scoring for the Golden Eagles.

Up Next: 
Charleston remains at home this weekend, hosting West Virginia Wesleyan at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 22.