Hawkley Nets Brace in Buffs Women's Soccer's AAC Shutout of Bryan

DAYTON, Tenn. - The Milligan University women's soccer team continued their 2024 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) season on Wednesday evening at Bryan College, where a slow-paced first half for both sides turned into a second-half blitz by the Buffs, as they scored three unanswered tallies to notch a 3-0 win away from home. 

It was not for a lack of opportunities for either side that the opening half was a scoreless one. Both Milligan and Bryan took a total of five shots, essentially trading chances for the first 45 minutes.

In the second half, Lauren Hawkley began the Buffaloes' scoring in the 52nd minute with a header into the back of the net off a stellar cross from Halle Steele. That goal was immediately followed by a pair of chances for the Lions on the other end of the pitch, but Milligan thwarted those opportunities and would tally their next goal in the 79th minute on Hawkley's second goal of the bout, which was unassisted. Just a handful of minutes later in the 83rd, Mariah Shull netted a solo goal, which certainly sealed the deal for the Buffs with under eight minutes remaining.

Hawkley's two goals came via two shots, as she put forth a 1.000 shot percentage in the tilt. Kara McDaniel also had two shots on goal in the battle, while Steele compiled a trio of shots, with one ending up on frame. Shull's one shot of the match was on goal and resulted in the third goal for Milligan.

Akyla Walcott earned the win for the Buffaloes and saved all four shots that she faced from the hosting Lions. She moves to 2-4-1 on the year.

Next up for the Buffs will be a home tilt at Anglin Field on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. against the Koalas of Columbia College (S.C.).