Video: Highlights vs. Newberry
Video: Ashley Hickman Interview
JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman dominates play in their home conference opener after defeating the Newberry Wolves 2-0 at McCown Field on Saturday night.
"It feels excellent especially being in the thick of conference play now," said Coach Simon Duffy. "Very important victory for us."
The Eagles (5-0, 2-0 SAC) earned their 17th straight regular season home victory behind goals from Lauren Wade and Ashley Hickman.
After a corner kick by C-N, the ball bounced around in the box but found the foot of Wade as she sent a shot through a flurry of defenders for her fourth tally of the season.
The Eagles defense was strong yet again, holding the Newberry (2-4, 1-1 SAC) side to just five shots all evening, two of which were on frame. Jackie Burns notched her third shutout of the season.
"High intensity first half out there," added Duffy. "We talked about being able to match it in the second half, and what a play by Holly Talbut-Smith and Hickman on that last goal. Such an important moment for us."
No more than a few minutes after checking into the game, the junior Hickman took a nice touch pass from teammate Holly Talbut-Smith and drilled a shot over the Newberry goalkeeper marking the first goal of her career. Jaidyn Zapf was also rewarded with an assist on the play after feeding a pass to Talbut-Smith.
"Holly had a really good one touch pass there, and I was really happy to get that first goal out of the way and scored my first goal," explained Hickman.
"We were transitioning quickly and Holly had a good mindset to get it over to Ashley," said Duffy. "She has a lovely left foot but to see her to do that in a game, delighted for her."
The Eagles will continue their three-game home stand when they take on Lenoir-Rhyne on Wednesday, Sept. 20. Game time is set for 5:00 p.m.
