Women's Soccer

Brilliant Boyce; Hat trick powers CSU over PC 3-2

Box score

CLINTON, S.C. - The Charleston Southern soccer team fell behind 2-0 in the first 10 minutes against Presbyterian College. Marky Boyce wouldn't let the Buccaneers die, however, as she netted her second hat trick of the season to lead the 3-2 come-from-behind victory Sunday afternoon at Martin Stadium.

Kate Baker put the home side on the board in just the fifth minute of action, and Tricia Bryan added to the advantage before the clock could even run 10 minutes of action off the scoreboard. Both goals came off corner kicks and were assisted by Stephanie Aaron as the Blue Hose (3-9-1, 0-4-1 Big South Conference) were awarded three in the first half and four for the match. CSU (11-4-1, 4-1-1 BSC) also had four corner kicks.

That second goal seemed to turn on the ignition for Charleston Southern, and the team started winning seemingly every 50/50 ball and creeping possession closer and closer to the back of the net.

Boyce finally busted through the PC backline and put the road side on the board in the 36th minute off a corner, and the comeback was on. Olivia Urig sent the corner over the top of everyone who was waiting anxiously in the six-yard goalie box. The ball found the head of Lindsey Trexler who sent a ball back into the mix. It found the foot of Casey Bolduc who sent a blistering shot off the crossbar. The ball then settled on Boyce's yellow boot, and she finished with authority to cut the lead in half.

Presbyterian College looked as though it would take the slim 2-1 advantage into halftime, but Boyce had other ideas.

After a strong push from CSU got the ball deep into PC territory again, Staci Ulichnie and Morgann Wood played a dazzling 1-2 combination that sprung Wood along the left flank. After taking a touch to get into position, Wood sent the ball sailing into the box and Boyce headed the equalizer into the back of the net with just 24 seconds remaining in the opening frame.

The goal seemed to deflate the Blue Hose, as they would only attempt two more shots the rest of the way.

It didn't take long in the second half for Boyce to net the hat trick, as she scored the game-winning goal in the 47th minute. Bolduc again was involved on the play, as her and Jen Vroman played off each other along the flank. Bolduc sent the ball through the penalty area to Boyce, who got free and took a shot from 12 yards out that had no chance of being saved.

The CSU defensive attack locked down after allowing the early goals and made sure the Buccaneers would earn another crucial conference victory on the road.

CSU outshot PC 17-10, powered by a 9-2 shot advantage in the second half after the two teams both attempted eight first-half shots. The Buccaneers may have had more goals if they would not have been called offside seven times. The Blue Hose were whistled off twice.

Jena Lalich (6-1-1) recorded four saves and allowed the two early goals in 90 minutes of action. She continues to shine in goal for Charleston Southern after taking over as the starter midway through the season.

Abby Young played the first half and allowed two goals in net for Presbyterian College. She made just one save and did not return for the second half. Sara Beth Anderson (2-3-0) saved four shots, but took the loss after giving up Boyce's game-winner early in her 45 minutes of action.

Boyce is currently in the midst of one of the greatest single seasons in Charleston Southern history. Her record-breaking day moved her into third in CSU history for both goals (12) and points (31) in a single season, and she is fifth in CSU history for assists in a single season (7). She also now has seven game-winning goals, which breaks the old mark of six game-winners in a single season previously held by Wendy Ennis (1993).

Boyce also leads the conference in goals, assists, points and game-winners, and has seven goals in her last seven games.

Vroman has proven to be just as valuable as of late, as she has recorded an assist in five straight games. She now has six for the season and is second in the Big South in assists, behind only Boyce. She also has four goals.

Bolduc recorded her second-career two-assist game, and the second of the season. She now has six career assists. Ulichnie recorded her first-career point, and Wood recorded her first point since Sept. 9 against The Citadel.

Charleston Southern improves to 5-3-1 on the road this season, and 2-1 all-time against the Blue Hose.

Charleston Southern has one more road trip this season, and that will come at 6 p.m. Oct. 23 in Conway, S.C., when the Buccaneers face off against Coastal Carolina University.

Print Friendly Version