Wilmington, NC - Cape Fear women's soccer kicked off the Port City Classic with a commanding 9-1 win over Division II Stratford University. Freshman Carly Higgins scored four goals to lead the Sea Devils.
The lady Sea Devils got hot early. Higgins scored in the 3rd minute off an assist from sophomore Janessa Annis to give the team a 1-0 lead. Higgins scored her second roughly five minutes later, then completed her hat trick in the 11th minute with sophomore Alaina Capps providing the first of two assists on the day.
Capps scored the team's fourth goal in the 12th minute off an assist from sophomore Sierra Raynor.
Higgins, who played high school soccer at Ashley high school in Wilmington, followed up with her final goal in 31st minute, making it four goals in under a half in her first competitive game.
"I am not sure she or the team can even understand at this time how special that is," said head coach Ryan Deppa. "She worked so hard to get herself ready for this season, it was great to see her see some of the benefits so quickly."
Stratford scored their only goal a minute later. The teams entered halftime with Cape Fear leading 5-1.
The scored remained that way until the 56th minute, when Annis scored her lone goal of the game. Coach Deppa had high praise for her performance.
"Janessa Annis worked so hard on and off the ball that it created some quality transition moments for our team."
Freshman Skyler Giolitti scored her first goal of the season and the team's seventh in the 67th minute. Freshman Kaila Acuna then capped off the game with two goals in the 74th and 75th minutes. Her second goal was assisted by freshman Anderson O'Neal.
Overall, coach Deppa was pleased with his team's performance.
"The team did a great job supporting each other and it made for some great moments in the game. I am happy for them for starting the season the way they did."
The Sea Devils start 1-0 on the season with the win.
They will play tomorrow versus Oxford College of Emory University. Gametime is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.
Courtesy of Nick Denning
