Newberry, S.C. – Newberry women's soccer hosted Bluefield State College on Monday, prevailing 3-0 against their nonconference opponent.
 
With kickoff at noon, the match got off to an unusually early start, with the Wolves coming out ready to play, putting their first shot on goal barely a minute into the game. The offense was perhaps a bit too eager, as the Big Blue were able to draw a couple offiside calls to stall the Newberry attack.
 
But the Wolves settled down and were able to get on the board in the 8^th minute. Displaying some excellent ball movement, forward Jaidyn Jacobs settled in the corner and sent the ball to Julia Steinbach, who delivered a one-touch pass to Jacqueline Aldrete at the far post with the net open. The senior from Oxnard, California volleyed it in for her second goal of the season, with Jacobs and Steinbach credited with a double assist.
 
The Wolves continued to apply pressure throughout the half, in which they held a 16-4 advantage in total shots. Bluefield State keeper Noemi Christ made some difficult saves to keep the score low, but Newberry would strike again in the 31^st minute.
 
Upon making a deep run into the box, forward Ashlee Rotert had her shot blocked by the diving keeper, then she recovered the rebound and found Allyna Gonzalez in front of the net, where the freshman sent the ball just inside the near post for her first collegiate goal.
 
Unwilling to relent after their second score, Newberry put several shots on goal over the remainder of the half, but the Big Blue defense held to go into the break with the score remaining at 2-0.
 
After being on the backfoot for most of the first half, Bluefield State came out strong in the second, forcing Newberry Keeper Kaylee Opalka to make a pair of saves in the early minutes. The Big Blue exercised improved ball control as they sought to mount a comeback, but the Wolves were ready to pounce on any mistakes.
 
Forward Ariana Paez found one such opportunity after stealing the ball just outside the box in the 66^th minute. After faking a run toward the goal, the sophomore pulled up and unleashed an 18-yard strike into the upper-right corner of the net for her first score of the season.
 
 With a 3-0 advantage, the Wolves continued to press the attack but were unable to increase their lead. Keepers Jayleen Gant and Kaylee Opalka made three saves apiece to earn the shutout for the Wolves, who have won four of their last five contests.
 
The team resumes SAC play on Saturday, October 23 when they host Lenoir-Rhyne University. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at the Smith Road Complex.