Bridgewater women’s soccer improves to 2-0

The Bridgewater College women’s soccer team improved to 2-0 on the season with a 2-0 victory Saturday afternoon over North Carolina Wesleyan College.

The Eagles defense recorded its second straight shutout, limiting the Battling Bishops to five shots overall and just one shot on goal. Hayley Talbott played the first 81 minutes and recorded one save for the Eagles. Freshman keeper Alyssa Pearson made her first collegiate appearance and finished up in goal for the Eagles, playing the final minutes.

The first half was scoreless until the Eagles finally tallied in the 44^th minute. Freshman Janidy Madera sent a cross into the box to Kelly Patterson and the Eagles senior put the ball in the upper left corner of the goal for a 1-0 Bridgewater lead.

Bridgewater held just a slim 5-3 edge in shot attempts during the first half, but in the second half the Eagles kept constant pressure on the Bishops defense. The Eagles peppered the Bishops’ goal with shots but keeper Ashley Major was solid with 10 saves in the final 45 minutes.

The Eagles added their second goal in the 62^nd minute when Keri Rager was tackled from behind inside the box. Rager was successful with the penalty kick to give the Eagles a 2-0 lead.

Bridgewater will be back in action Tuesday afternoon when they host Southern Virginia University. Game time is set for 4:00 p.m.