SEASON OF FIRSTS CONTINUES FOR ROANE STATE SOCCER

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Roane State closed its regular season with a dominant 6–0 victory over Chattanooga State on Saturday, October 18, riding a first-half surge and a standout performance from freshman forward Emma Leander, who recorded a hat trick to lead the Lady Raiders.

Head Coach Donnie Green said his team took some time to find rhythm after an unusual training schedule during fall break but settled in midway through the first half.

"We started off a little sluggish from being out of our routine," Green said. "But once we got our touches and passing down about 25 minutes in, things started clicking. From there we played really well on both ends."

Leander struck first in the 32nd minute off an assist from Natalie Gilmore. Next, Leander added a second goal in the 42nd minute assisted by Zoey Rose, before capping off her three-goal outing with a 55th-minute finish set up by Elizabeth Troyna. This was Leander's first collegiate hat trick.

"Emma's really rounding into form," Green said. "She started the season maybe 70 percent healthy, and now she's closer to 90. You can see it in her confidence and execution."

Rose extended the lead early in the second half with a goal of her own in the 47th minute, assisted by Breanna Sanderson, who went on to score twice – first on a penalty kick in the 61st minute and again in the 88th minute from a cross by Alyssa Crabtree. The pair of goals marked Sanderson's first two collegiate scores, while Crabtree's helper was her first career assist.

"Natalie Gilmore had one of her best matches of the season," Green said. "She stepped in and made a big difference with her midfield play."

On the defensive side, Addison Roberts earned another clean sheet in goal with two saves as the Lady Raiders' back line smothered scoring opportunities.

"Addison only had to handle two shots on goal, and that's credit to our defense," Green added. "Our back line – Monica Bownds, Makhira Ralston, Victoria Moua, and Jesla Uribe – they kept them out of high-percentage areas and forced long shots. I was proud of the way they pressed and stayed composed."

With the victory, Roane State concluded conference play on a high note and will shift focus to the postseason. The Lady Raiders are looking to notch their first postseason victory in program history as they travel to Memphis for a first-round TCCAA matchup against Southwest Tennessee on Sunday, October 26, at 7:30 p.m. ET.

"We're expecting our first playoff win," Green said. "If we execute and play our game, I like our chances."