Koalas overcome Rams in AAC Home Opener

Needing to make a statement coming off their conference opening loss at the weekend, the Columbia College Koalas soccer team did just that in a 3-0 victory at home on Wednesday evening against the visiting Bluefield College Lady Rams.

Entering the game 0-1 in the AAC, the Koalas knew they needed to get their season on track with a confidence building win against a resurgent Bluefield squad.  Although it took some time for Columbia to assert their dominance on the game, their efforts were rewarded in the 33rd minute of the game. 

Having missed a few easy chances early on, the Koalas earned a free kick 25 yards out on the right side of the box.  Senior AJ Gilmore touched the ball to Junior MacKenzie Moore, who rifled the ball past the Rams goalkeeper for a 1-0 lead.  It was Moore's first goal of the season.

After getting through to halftime with the lead, Columbia started the second half quickly with two goals in the first seven minutes.  After 48 minutes, Senior Charlotte Daniels did fantastic work down the left side before cutting into the middle and feeding the ball to fellow Senior Courtney Carrier, who in turn squared the ball to Junior Brianna Sandoval.  Sandoval steadied herself with a touch before firing the ball into the far bottom corner to make it 2-0 to the Koalas.  It was Sandoval's third goal of the season, while Carrier notched her conference leading 5th assist.

Just four minutes later, Gilmore played a long ball down the line with Carrier controlled before turning her mark and driving forward to just inside the box and then unleashing an unstoppable strike over the Rams keeper and into the net.  

After making it 3-0, the Koalas did well to retain possession and create more chances while limiting the Rams to long shots.  The Koalas outshot the Rams 17-7 on the match, with Misty Honstein and Cassie Dilback sharing the shutout.  Defensively, Yasurys Peralta, Theresa Chambers, and Lindsey Sightler were solid among other quality performances from Columbia.

The Koalas return to action on Saturday afternoon when they host Kentucky Christian University at 3PM at Younts Stadium.