‘Unstoppable’

Earning their sixth straight win of the season, the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks women’s soccer team showed promise of another successful season on the weekend.

Sunday afternoon’s 2-1 victory over the Brock Badgers has the team in first place in the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) west division and they remain first overall in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) women’s soccer rankings list.

“Overall I think it was a good performance,” said head coach Barry MacLean in reflection of Sunday’s game. “I think we created fifteen clear scoring chances [but] I think our finishing wasn’t the best today; overall it was a fairly comprehensive performance.”

The first half of the game consisted of numerous shots from both ends of the field, including close scoring chances from Laurier’s Krista Cellucci, Emilie Coroso and Emily Brown. However, a questionable penalty shot gave Brock player Meaghan Krawczyk the first goal of the game and give Brock a disappointing 1-0 lead.

“I think it’s really important to stay calm,” said Laurier rookie Emily Brown when ask to comment on Brock’s first goal. “Focus on your passes and connecting them, and eventually [a goal] will come.”

Brown’s optimistic approach soon earned her a goal — her fourth of the weekend — and brought the game to a 1-1 tie.

WLU striker, Krista Cellucci, later finished the Badgers with a goal 24 minutes into the first half and ultimately brought the Hawks to their final closing score of 2-1.

The dominating Hawks came away from the game with an impressive total of 22 shots, seven of which came from Brown.

“She’s electric,” smiled MacLean. “She’s got great pace and she finishes well. She’s going to be a girl who’s always looking to score goals; she’s a valuable addition for sure.”

The Laurier freshman had previously achieved a hat trick during Saturday’s 6-1 blowout against the McMaster Marauders.

Sunday’s goal also brought her up to the top of the OUA in scoring. Playing like a veteran, the rookie shows no sign of slowing down this season.

“[The team] has made it really easy for me. I’m learning from them, I’m starting to play with them and the chemistry is just building.”

Sunday’s win keeps the Hawks’ spirits high and determination strong.

The nationally ranked purple and gold will look for their seventh straight win on Saturday against the Waterloo Warriors at 1 p.m. on Alumni Field.