Lady Flames dominate

Junior midfielder Brittany Aanderud made history as the Lady Flames soccer team (6-3-1, 2-0-1 Big South) defeated the visiting Bulldogs of UNC-Asheville (6-4-1, 1-1-1 Big South) in an 8-0 shutout Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Lock Down — Maddie Boone (2) keeps the ball away from UNC-Asheville.  Photo credit: Leah Seavers

Lock Down — Maddie Boone (2) keeps the ball away from UNC-Asheville. Photo credit: Leah Seavers

With two assists bringing her career total to 21, Aanderud surpassed the program record for most assists by any Liberty women’s soccer player. Nancy Davis (1998-2001) held the previous record with 20 assists.

“I am just humbled by (the record),” Aanderud said. “I‘m just thankful my teammates can score.”

After almost 20 minutes of scoreless play to open the match, the Lady Flames were the first to get on the board with a goal by senior midfielder Rebeccah Smith. Smith netted the goal after receiving a cross from freshman forward Jennifer Knoebel.

The Lady Flames built on their 1-0 lead with goals by freshman defender Jordan Ketzel and junior midfielder Madison Kauzlarich to take a 3-0 lead
into halftime.

Ketzel’s goal in the 38th minute was her first of the season and the first of her career at Liberty. Yet, she still stressed the contributions of her teammates.

“It was exciting,” Ketzel said. “But, if it wasn’t for Brittany (Aanderud) crossing that perfect ball, there’s no way I would have gotten it.”

Entering the second half with a solid lead, Head Coach Jessica Hain said the Lady Flames worked to refine their skills and keep the pressure on the Bulldogs.

“We’ve been working a lot on some different offensive tactics,” Hain said. “At the half, our goal was to think about the details and try to execute those details well and our girls did an excellent job of that.”

The Lady Flames responded well, netting five more goals in the second half, including two by junior forward Jaime Bouffard and two by senior forward Alanna Dunkle. Dunkle scored both her goals 16 seconds apart in the 77th minute to secure the victory for the Lady Flames.

Junior forward Crystal Elmers also added a goal in the second half.

The Lady Flames kept the pressure on the Bulldogs throughout the entire game, registering 18 shots on goal and seven corner kicks.

Lady Flames redshirt sophomore goalie Holly Van Noord was replaced in the 58th minute by redshirt freshman Tori Collar. The goalies combined for five saves. Van Noord remains one shutout short of the school record for most career shutouts held by Karen Blocker (2008-2012), who recorded 20 in her career.

Aanderud acknowledged the importance of earning a win against a formidable UNC Asheville team they could possibly see again in the Big South tournament.

“(This win) was actually big-time,” Aanderud said. “(UNC-Asheville) was actually ranked above us, so it was really crucial for us to get the win.”

The Lady Flames tacked a 2-0 victory over Presbyterian on Oct. 4 to keep their undefeated steak at six games. Big South foe Radford comes to town Oct. 8 looking to put an end to the Lady Flames recent winning ways.

RODRIGUEZ is a sports reporter.

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