LADY RAIDERS NOTCH FIRST WIN IN SOCCER PROGRAM HISTORY

Bluefield, W.Va — The Roane State women's soccer team made history Sunday afternoon, earning the program's first-ever victory with a 4-0 shutout of Bluefield University.

Freshman forward Maddie Bailey, part of what head coach Donnie Green calls the "Kingston Trio," scored twice in the first half to put the Lady Raiders in control.

Bailey's first collegiate goal came in the 19th minute off an assist from Zoey Rose, igniting the Raider's bench and setting the tone. She struck again in the 35th minute, once more with Rose providing the service.

"Obviously, that first goal was electric," Green said. "We were creating a lot of buildup, and once Maddie scored, we knew we could put the ball in the back of the net. Maddie and Zoey worked really well together."

Roane State (1-1) extended the lead early in the second half. In the 54th minute, Rose netted her first collegiate goal on an assist from Molly Ketterman, pushing the Raiders lead to 3-0.

Sophomore Jesla Uribe capped the scoring in the 87th minute, rebounding a loose ball off a corner kick for her first career goal.

"I was really impressed with how the team worked together," Green added. "The first three goals were textbook soccer — good vision, passing, and finding the right attackers in space."

The Lady Raiders dominated offensively and defensively, finishing with 17 shots and seven on frame, while holding Bluefield to just six shots.

Freshman goalkeeper Addison Roberts, another member of the Kingston Trio, recorded six saves to preserve the clean sheet. Green praised Roberts for her poise, including a leaping fingertip stop that pushed a shot over the crossbar.

"She was in the right place at the right time all day," Green said. "Addison made some huge saves that could have completely changed the momentum."

Roane State's back line also drew high marks from the head coach. Starters Lauren Freeman, Makhira Ralston, Victoria Moua, and Uribe anchored a defensive unit that frustrated Bluefield throughout the match. Maddy Lindsay, Kyleigh Hall, and Monica Bownds added valuable minutes from the bench to preserve the shutout also.

"Our defense starts with everyone, not just the back four," Green explained. "They were stingy and didn't give up much space. I'm really proud of that effort."

Green rotated heavily in the midfield, leaning on the veteran presence of Jazmine West, who he called one of the team's most skilled players. Freshmen Breanna Sanderson, Elizabeth Troyna, Ketterman, Saria Chapell, Autumn Brummett, and Hannah Kate Turner all contributed, showcasing the depth and youth movement within the roster.

"This group of freshmen is stepping in right away and producing," Green said. "They're not only scoring goals but also building the play and helping us keep possession."

The victory sparked a postgame celebration as players doused Green with the traditional water cooler bath, a moment he described as "very refreshing."

The Lady Raiders return to action Thursday, August 21, when they host Johnson University, another strong NAIA opponent. Green said the focus will be on maintaining the same energy and consistency that carried them to the milestone victory.

"I knew this year would be the year for the first win," Green said. "We're more talented, more confident, and this is just the beginning."

Final: Roane State 4, Bluefield University 0

Scoring Summary:

• Maddie Bailey (RSCC), 19th minute (assist by Zoey Rose)
• Maddie Bailey (RSCC), 35th minute (assist by Zoey Rose)
• Zoey Rose (RSCC), 54th minute (assist by Molly Ketterman)
• Jesla Uribe (RSCC), 87th minute (unassisted)

Goalkeeper: Addison Roberts (RSCC), 6 saves, clean sheet