LADY RAIDERS SOCCER EARNS FIRST-EVER CONFERENCE WIN WITH SHUTOUT AGAINST CHATTANOOGA STATE
The Roane State women's soccer team struggled to find the finishing touch early but broke through in the second half on the way to a 5-0 victory over Chattanooga State on Sunday afternoon. The win on August 24 marked the first conference triumph in program history for the Lady Raiders.
"We created so many opportunities, but we just couldn't find the back of the net," Green said. "We hit the post, the crossbar, put too much power on shots, and just weren't calm enough in front of goal."
Freshman Maddie Bailey gave Roane State the only goal of the first half, scoring unassisted in the 37th minute. Green said her strike settled the team heading into the break, and the second half told a much different story.
Roane State's midfielders took control, scoring all four goals after halftime. Sophomore Jazmine West started the surge in the 60th minute when she calmly placed a shot into the corner off a pass from Hannah Kate Turner.
"She placed her shots beautifully," Green said. "It wasn't about power, it was about finesse, and putting it where the goalkeeper wasn't."
Freshman Molly Ketterman found the net in the 67th minute on an assist from Lauren Freeman for her first collegiate goal. West added her second of the match three minutes later, set up by Makhira Ralston.
Freshman Natalie Gilmore, just cleared to play last week after recovering from a spring injury, capped the scoring in the 81st minute with a strike off an assist from Zoey Rose.
"That was a beautiful shot," Green said. "To see her come back from injury and make that kind of impact was huge."
While the offense eventually found its rhythm, Green pointed to the defensive effort as another key. Roane State outshot Chattanooga State 42-9, with 28 attempts on frame, but the Lady Tigers still managed five shots on target. Freshman goalkeeper Addison Roberts stopped them all to secure her first collegiate shutout.
Roberts had been hard on herself after conceding multiple goals in a midweek loss to Johnson University, but Green said she showed poise in this victory.
"She was more composed today," Green added. "Her mechanics, her timing — it's all coming together. I saw a lot more confidence in her this game."
The win improved Roane State to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
The Lady Raiders will hit the road for their next match, traveling to Bryan College on Friday, August 29. Kickoff against the NAIA opponent is scheduled for 5 p.m. ET.
Final: Roane State 5, Chattanooga State 0
Scoring Summary:
Maddie Bailey (37'), Jazmine West (60', 70'), Molly Ketterman (67'), Natalie Gilmore (81')
Shots: RSCC 42 (28 on frame); Chattanooga State 9 (5 on frame)
Saves – RSCC: Addison Roberts 5