CLEMSON, S.C. – Behind its second-consecutive shutout to open the season, Clemson (2-0, 0-0 ACC) defeated Loyola (Md.) (1-1, 0-0 PL) 4-0 on Sunday evening at Historic Riggs Field.
Junior forward Caroline Conti opened the scoring in the 11th minute with her first goal of the season on a well-placed header. Just three minutes later, Megan Bornkamp slotted another home off a corner kick; it was the defender’s third goal and seventh point in the first two matches. Senior Renee Guion provided beautiful assists on both scores, bringing her total to four on the early season.
In the 56th minute, freshman Renee Lyles turned on the jets to speed past the Loyola defense and notch the second goal of her young career, thanks to a stellar feed from Makenna Morris off a header from Hal Hershfelt. Ten minutes later, freshman Sydney Minarik also found the back of the net; Lyles and Minarik have combined for eight points through their first two career games.
The stout Tiger defense held the Greyhounds to zero shots, as senior goalkeeper Hensley Hancuff extended her scoreless streak to 144 minutes and sophomore Halle Mackiewicz finished the job in goal. The game was ended early by the officials due to lightning in the Clemson area, with five minutes remaining in regulation.
“I was proud that we respected the opponent. We came out and gave it our best,” said Head Coach Eddie Radwanski. “We had a lot of good movement off the ball and lots of great contributions from a lot of people. Opening weekend, we checked the box with two wins and now we get ready for the next week — so mission accomplished.”
The Tigers hit the road for their first away game of the season at Texas A&M on Saturday, August 28. The match will kick off from College Station at 8 p.m.
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