FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.  Methodist women's soccer are USA South Atlantic Conference regular season champions with 3-0 victory over visiting Averett University on Saturday at Duggins Soccer Stadium. 

This is the second time this season the Monarchs have scored three goals in a game, and their largest win this season.

JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Methodist def. Averett, 3-0
Records: Methodist 12-1 (9-0 USA South), Averett 5-7-2 (3-5-1)
Location: Duggins Soccer Stadium; Fayetteville, North Carolina

HOW IT HAPPENED

• In the 15th minute of the game, Methodist found themselves first in the scoring category. Freshman Haley Strain had the ball dribbling up the field before crossing a defender to get herself open. With nothing between her and the goalie, she kicked the ball past Morgann Dills for the 1-0 lead.
• The second half saw the Monarchs being aggressive on offense with taking 13 of their 21 total shots in this half.
• Two of those shots led to the next Methodist goal. First, a shot by Charly Oldham hit the near post before bouncing off to a charging Laura Harris, who punch it in, moments later.
• The final goal of the night came less than two minutes later. A foul just outside the box by the Cougars gave the Monarchs a free kick opportunity. Alyssa Morrell was in charge of the kick who sent a line drive shot beating the keeper to her right for the score.  

NUMBERS

• Methodist finished the game with more total shot, 21, than Averett, 15, though each side matched each other in shots on goal with eight.
• The combine efforts of Mary Newman and Caley Justice in net gives the Monarchs their sixth shutout of the season.
• Five different Methodist players registered multi-shot performances, with Madison Brunson leading the way with a match-high six shots.

UP NEXT
Both teams now wait on the rest of the USA South to conclude conference play awaiting conference tournament seeding.