DANVILLE, Va -  With nonstop action and standout performances, this was a one for the history books.

First-year Ava Walker broke the single game record for goals in EMU history, totaling 9 goals this match. Bailey Freeman followed with six goals, and Amber Bonds with 5, to claim a  22-17 ODAC win against Averett..

Records: EMU 5-8, 3-3 ODAC | Averett 3-3, 2-3 ODAC

Highlights

First Quarter

• The Royals offense came out hot within the first five minutes of play. Freeman got her first goal of the day within 30 seconds, and Walker followed with another and an assist from Shayleigh Sims.

• Bonds then hit back-to-back goals, but the Cougars quickly returned with two of their own to put themselves on the board. Bonds didn't let that slide and scored again at the 7:53 mark. 

• The Cougars put two more in the back of the net again, cutting the deficit to one. However, the Royals stood strong with another goal each from Freeman and Bonds, ending the first quarter at 7-4.

 

Second Quarter

• The Royals kept their scoring streak going with two from Walker, another from Freeman, and Joelle Blosser securing her first goal of the season.

• The Cougars returned the favor with four goals of their own and cut the deficit to three. 

• Even with lots of shots from the Cougars, Royals goalkeeper Cristal Narciso did her part, with five saves. In the last 30 seconds, Freeman tanks one in the net to end the half at 12-8. 

 

Third Quarter

• Both teams came into the second half strong, trading goals in a fast-paced quarter. Bonds scored another within the 20 seconds, but the Cougars followed with one as well.

• Freeman followed with her fifth of the day, but again the Cougars responded with a goal of their own. Walker then hit back-to-back goals, but again the Cougars returned the favor. 

• Courtney Crawford got her first goal of the day, followed by Walker launching another two in the back of the net. The Cougars get one more in and end the third quarter at 19-12. 

 

Fourth Quarter

• The Royals defense stood strong, but the Cougars scored three after 10 minutes of play in the fourth quarter.

• Walker then scores two more, breaking the EMU single game record for goals, and giving the Royals a six goal lead. 

• The Cougars get one more, but Freeman tanks another on a free position goal. With five seconds of the game left, the Cougars get another, but the Royals ultimately took the win.

Statistical Leaders

Walker: 9 goals (EMU Record), 2 assists

Freeman: 6 goals, 5 ground balls

Bonds: 5 goals, 9 draw controls

Narciso: 13 saves

What's Next

EMU will be back in action next Saturday, April 12 for Senior Day as they take on Guilford College. First draw against the Quakers is set for 6 pm. 

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