Saint Francis University Athletics

BETHANY, W. Va. – Saint Francis women's soccer dominated at Bison Stadium Wednesday evening with a 6-0 shutout over Bethany.

The Red Wolves controlled possession for much of the match and created scoring opportunities throughout the game. Saint Francis opened the scoring in the 26th minute when Mercedez Paino found the back of the net off an assist from Meredith Artz. Just 18 seconds later, Molly Baker doubled the lead with an assist from Reagan Truxillo. Saint Francis continued to apply pressure, adding a third goal in the 35th minute. Truxillo scored off a pass from Artz to give the Red Wolves a 3-0 advantage heading into halftime.

The Red Wolves picked up right where they left off in the second half. Truxillo scored her second goal of the game in the 47th minute, with Caterina Schiavo providing the assist. Just over three minutes later, Riley Cerqua added another goal off an assist from Artz to extend the lead to 5-0. Saint Francis capped off the scoring in the 78th minute when Paino found the back of the net for her second goal of the night, where Ashlyn Fetterman and Truxillo added the assists, to secure the 6-0 victory.

Alyssa Walker recorded five saves in goal for the Red Wolves.

Saint Francis finished with 30 shots, putting 21 on goal, while holding Bethany to eight shots and five on goal. Paino led the Red Wolves with six shots, including five on goal. Cerqua added six shots, while Truxillo recorded four shots, all on goal.

Artz finished with three assists, while Truxillo recorded two goals and two assists. Paino also scored twice, while Baker and Cerqua each added a goal.

With two goals and two assist, Truxillo recorded a six point game. Paino recorded her second two goal game in a row.

Truxillo has seven goals on the season, and Artz, Baker, and Paino each have six. Artz has recorded five assists on the season. 

"Our team is playing at a consistently high level right now. Tonight's performance was an extension of that. Bethany presented some unique tactical challenges but out players adjusted well. We had four different goal scorers so we are spreading the ball well," said head coach Brian Diaz. "We challenged the team to start strong. We challenged them again at half time to have another strong start the second half. They answered both challenges in a resounding positive manner. This is a fun team to watch on the field."

Saint Francis will return to Stokes Soccerplex Saturday at 4 p.m., following the men's match and Senior Day. The Red Wolves will take on Thiel for its last home match and Senior Day. Saint Francis will be celebrating Riley Cerqua, Caterina Schiavo, Delaney Urban, Mercedez Paino, and Meredith Artz.