Newberry, S.C. – The Newberry women's soccer team played their final home match of the season on Wednesday, scoring two early goals and clamping down on defense to defeat USC Aiken 2-0.
 
The Wolves honored their departing seniors with a pregame ceremony at sunset, settling in for a chilly night of play. But the match got off to a hot start as the Wolves' offense found net twice in the first 20 minutes.
 
Forward Jaidyn Jacobs sparked the scoring with a 12^th-minute cross to midfielder Jaidyn Davila in the middle of the box, which the sophomore sent into the upper-left corner of the net for her second score of the season. Following up last week's game-winner in overtime, Jacobs has now scored or assisted in six of the team's last seven games.
 
Holding an early lead, the Wolves continued to press the attack. After a scoring opportunity for the Pacers came up empty, the Newberry defense moved the ball upfield quickly to continue applying pressure on their opponent.
 
Their efforts would pay off again in the 20^th minute, this time with a senior leading the charge. Midfielder Jacqueline Aldrete, upon receiving a pass in the corner of the box from Monica Jimenez, turned and fired the ball past the keeper to record her third goal of the season.
 
After yielding their second goal, the Pacers tightened up their defense, containing the Wolves' aggressive forwards. With their offense held in check for the remainder of the match, it was time for Newberry's defense to come through once again.
 
Senior Courtney Velasquez led an excellent defensive effort in her final home game, as the Wolves only allowed one shot on goal in the match, which keeper Delaney Hood easily corralled. With two senior goalkeepers on the roster, Hood played the first 12 minutes of the game before subbing out for Jayleen Gant.
 
Over the final 78 minutes, the Newberry defense was strong enough that Gant was not required to make any diving saves, though she displayed solid decision-making in coming off the net to shut down the Pacers' attack on multiple occasions. After preserving the shutout, the Wolves' defense is looking formidable, having allowed only one goal in their past five contests.
 
With the four seniors playing crucial roles in the victory, the team was able to send them out in style. The Wolves will go on the road Saturday, October 30 to resume conference play with a 1 p.m. matchup at Mars Hill University.