Belmont Abbey forward Erin Thibodeau recorded her first career
hat trick as the Crusaders extended its unbeaten streak to ten and
its winning streak to nine as it shutout the Lees-McRae Lady
Bobcats 4-0 this afternoon in Carolinas-Virginia Athletic
Conference play.
Erin Kolb got the Crusader started with a goal in the 27th
minute on a penalty kick. The teams would go into halftime with
the Crusader up 1-0 on Kolb's goal. Thibodeau would score her
first of the game in the 51st minute off a cross from Stephanie
Leotti. Thirteen minutes later, Thibodeau would strike again when
Kolb fed her a pass in the center of the box, burying a shot past
Lady Bobcats keeper Anita Hekman. In the 68th minute, Thibodeau
recorded her first career hat trick after Lauren Strebler fired
pass ahead to Thibodeau. Thibodeau beat Hekman to the ball and
tapped the ball past the sprawled
keeper.
The Crusaders outshoot Lees-McRae 28-2, as Kolb led the way with
eight shots. Leotti and Thibodeau added four. Hekman (pictured)
collected 15 saves while Abbey goalkeeper Anna Wells made one
before giving way to Laisha Lentz in the 68th minute.
The Abbey improves to 13-3-1 overall and completes the CVAC
regular season with a 9-1-1 mark, while the Bobcats fall to 5-10-1
overall and 2-7-1 in the CVAC.
The Lady Bobcats will close out the regular season with a game
at Barton College Saturday October 21st.
