• Submitted by: manso
• Sports
• 10 / 18 / 2010

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The Panthers were led by Hayley Neal, Klarissa Ames, Ashley Cuba and goalkeeper Morie Kephart.

Oct. 17, 2010. Final Stats. Indianola, Pa.--The Pitt women's soccer team defeated Villanova 3-0 at home Sunday. The win keeps the Panthers in post-season contention with two games remaining.

 The Panthers scored twice in the first half and once in the second while outshooting the Wildcats 21-9 overall. Hayley Neal, Klarissa Ames and Ashley Cuba scored for the Panthers while goalkeeper Morie Kephart made four saves to earn the shutout.

"Today was a well deserved win," Head Coach Sue-Moy Chin said. "We came out with a strong start and really caught our
opponent off guard."

Just over three minutes into the game, Neal put the Panthers on the board, collecting the ball on her own rebound and burying it into the net.

The goal came after a Liz Carroll corner kick in which Morgan Sharick directed the ball on goal. Sharick's attempt was stopped and Neal gathered the ball. After her first shot was stopped, Neal quickly controlled the ball and placed it into the near side corner.

Minutes later, the Panthers came close to adding to their lead, but a shot from 25-yards by senior Christina Nicassio hit off the crossbar.

In the 16th minute, Ames scored her second goal of the season when she controlled a rebound off the foot of Neal. Ames was able to beat the Villanova goalkeeper with a shot into the left corner.

"To get a 2-0 lead in the first half was really important for us," said Ames. "Coach has always told us about the importance of a strong start and today we were able to come out and do just that."

Pitt finished the first half with a 12-5 shot advantage.

In the second half, the Panthers continued their attack, creating several scoring chances.

In the 74th minute, Cuba took a pass from Abby Baldys and cut through the near side defender. Cuba squared up to the net and rifled the ball into the right side corner to give the Panthers a 3-0 lead.

Cuba's goal marks the sixth of the season and 13th of her career, moving her into sole possession of fourth place on the Panthers all-time goal scoring list.

Kephart made four saves to earn her fourth shutout of the season and ninth of her career. Kephart now trails Nicole Bashor and Jamie Pelusi by one for the all-time record in shutouts at Pitt with 10.

Neal's goal was the first her career and also held up as the game winner.

"It was very exciting to get my first goal in a Big East game," said Neal, who finished with an assist as well. "It was great to not only score the goal but to help the team win."

The Panthers will look to continue their winning play on Friday Oct. 22 against Providence at home. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will mark the final night game for the women's team at Founders Field.

Source: www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/