Campbell tops UNCW in women’s soccer, 2-0

by Dunn Area Sports Staff | Sep 16, 2022 | Campbell, News & Features

Jessica Donald (9) drives for Campbell’s first goal.
(Dunn Area Sports Photo/Paul Burgett)

BUIES CREEK — Jessica Donald and Kaleigh Backlund netted first half goals on Thursday night at the Eaves Athletic Complex as Campbell defeated UNC Wilmington, 2-0, for its fourth-straight victory.

The Campbell backline and goalkeeper Stephanie Martelli earned its third shutout in the past four games, closing out the nonconference portion of the schedule with a record of 4-3-1. The Seahawks fell to 4-3-1 with the loss.

The Camels netted the game winner in the 13th minute when Reagan Baiotto volleyed a ball past the UNCW backline and onto Jessica Donald who shrugged off a defender and fired a shot past the keeper.

CU doubled its lead later in the 21st minute as Elyssa Nowowieski dished off a ball to Mary Tierney who passed onto a wide-open Backlund who scored with a right foot shot.

Campbell held a 7-5 advantage on shots at halftime and kept the Seahawks without an attempt on goal for the first half.

UNCW maintained possession the majority of the second half, outshooting the Camels 8-1 and earning a final 13-8 edge on shots at the end of the game. Morgan Nanni led UNCW with four shots with one on frame.

Sage Dougherty nearly added another goal in the 69th minute but just missed her attempt from the top of the box to the left.

Martelli made two saves in between the posts to keep the Seahawks scoreless, earning her seventh career shutout. Blair Barefoot started the game for UNCW and made one save while Hanna Wise played the second half and allowed no shots on target.

The second half saw seven yellow cards issued to Campbell’s Natalie Jamison, Laney Peabody and Elyssa Nowowieski while UNCW were charged four to Morgan Nanni, Chloe Mills, Hannah Arostegui and assistant coach Dr. Colin Barnes.

Campbell returns to action next Wednesday as it opens Big South Conference play at Radford.

(Campbell media services provided the basis for this report)