COLUMBIA, SC – The South Carolina women’s soccer team (11-3-7) made a strong start in the NCAA Tournament by defeating East Carolina (10-4-7) with an impressive score of 6-0. Freshman Katie Shea Collins scored three goals, marking her second hat trick of the season. Fifth-year player Catherine Barry added two goals, while goalkeeper Taylor Fox scored her first career goal.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Catherine Barry’s two goals allowed her to break the program record for the most career goals, bringing her total to 51. Additionally, her 18 goals this season set a new record for the most goals in a single season.
- The Gamecocks kicked off the game with a corner kick in the sixth minute, although they weren’t able to score at that moment.
- In the 31st minute, Collins took advantage of a long ball from junior Gracie Falla, getting past the last defender and the goalkeeper to score the first goal for South Carolina.
- Just 20 seconds later, Barry was fouled inside the box, resulting in a penalty kick that she successfully converted to extend the lead.
- In the second half, Barry scored again in the 55th minute, hitting the ball into the lower left corner for her second goal. Shortly after, Collins scored again at the 57th minute, thanks to a setup by fifth-year teammates Hallie Meadows and Corinna Zullo.
- Collins completed her hat trick with a header from Barry’s cross in the 76th minute, putting the Gamecocks ahead 5-0.
- Goalkeeper Taylor Fox entered the game in the 81st minute and quickly earned her chance, scoring a penalty kick shortly after entering, marking her first career goal.
- This match marked the third time this season that two Gamecock players scored multiple goals in a single game, with Barry featuring in each of those instances.
- The six goals scored by the Gamecocks were the highest in a NCAA game since they netted seven goals against Alabama State in 2016.
UP NEXT
The Gamecocks will face Minnesota in the next round of the NCAA Tournament in Chapel Hill, NC.
