Elkins, WV – The Golden Eagles closed out the regular season with a strong performance against Davis & Elkins, building momentum heading into postseason play.
The Basics
- Location: Welch Athletic Complex
- Final Score: UC 25, D&E 4
- Records: Charleston (12-5, 8-1 MEC), Davis & Elkins (11-5, 4-4 MEC)
How It Happened
Madelyn Hillman opened the game by controlling the first draw, and after forcing a turnover, Madison Partridge raced downfield to score the game's first goal. Davis & Elkins responded quickly, tying the game before rattling off three more goals to take a 4-1 lead midway through the first quarter. Charleston answered late in the period. Emille Franklin, Elise Collins, and Sylvi Jenner each found the net in a two-minute span, erasing the deficit and tying the game at 4-4 heading into the second quarter.
The second quarter turned into a defensive battle early, with both teams unable to convert on scoring chances. Partridge eventually broke through to give Charleston the lead, but the Senators answered to even things up again. Darby Stolz briefly put UC back in front, yet Davis & Elkins closed the half with two goals to take a 7-6 advantage into the break.
Partridge wasted no time in the second half, scoring in the opening minute of the third quarter to tie the game. From there, Charleston began to seize control. Jenner, assisted by Hayden Slinkard, gave UC the lead, and Alyse Weber followed with another goal after a Franklin draw control. Davis & Elkins stayed within striking distance, cutting the deficit to one, but Franklin added another late goal to make it 10-8. The Senators scored just before the end of the quarter, but it would be their final goal of the game.
Charleston dominated the fourth quarter on both ends of the field. Goalkeeper Megan Liston shut the door defensively, while the offense pulled away. Franklin and Partridge extended the lead early, followed by goals from Jayden Ballance and Jenner. Collins added the final tally on a free-position shot, sealing the 15-9 victory.
Up next: Charleston opens play in the MEC Tournament on Thursday, April 30, against an opponent to be determined.
