Charleston drops early season test at Ashland

By UC Sports,

Ashland, OH – The Golden Eagles hit the road once again, squaring off against Ashland University at Ferguson Field. The matchup provided an early-season test for Charleston against a program that reached the NCAA Division II playoffs last year.

The Basics

• Location: Ferguson Field 
• Final Score: UC 6, AU 18 
• Records: Charleston (1-2), Ashland (1-0)

How It Happened
Ashland controlled the tempo from the opening draw. After Jayden Balance recorded the first shot of the game, the Eagles struck first just two minutes in and never relinquished momentum in the opening quarter. Three more goals followed over the next 10 minutes, putting Charleston in an early hole.
Sylvi Jenner broke through with 3:11 remaining in the first quarter to get UC on the board, but Ashland responded with another goal to take a 5-1 lead into the second.
The Eagles continued their offensive surge in the second quarter, adding three goals to extend the lead to 8-1 with 5:27 left in the half. Jenner capitalized on a free-position opportunity for her second goal of the game, but Ashland answered with two more scores to carry a 10-2 advantage into halftime.

Charleston continued to battle in the third. After Ashland added five goals, Darby Stolz found the back of the net for UC’s third goal, finishing an assist from Elise Collins.
The Golden Eagles showed their strongest stretch in the fourth quarter. Following an Ashland goal, Alyse Weber scored her first of the day, and Emille Franklin converted a free-position shot. Ella Creagh added Charleston’s final tally before Ashland netted the game’s last goal to seal the 18-6 decision.

Ashland outshot UC 31-17 and dominated the draw circle, winning 20 draw controls to Charleston’s six.

Next Up 
Charleston returns home for its first home contest of the season on Sunday, February 22 at 11 a.m against Walsh.