No. 1 Seed Women's Soccer Punches Ticket To SLIAC Championship After Shutout Win Over No. 4 Spalding

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—Behind a hat-trick from Molly Kovarik, the No. 1 Fontbonne University woen's soccer team punched its second straight ticket to the SLIAC Championship on Saturday after a 4-0 win over Spalding.

Game Breakdown

The Griffins put the pressure on early with a 6-0 shot advantage through 30:00 minutes of action. Krystal Kohenskey got possession of the ball and found Kovarik near the top of the box. The Festus, Mo., native, did the rest beating Jordan Schneider to the far post for her 20^th goal on the year in the 31^st minute.

Prior to the half ending, the duo struck again in the 43^rd minute when Kohenskey won a loose ball battle against the Spalding defense. She dribbled up the right side of the field and crossed it over for Kovarik who tapped it in giving Fontbonne a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.

In the second half, after a save from Mary Beers the Griffins went the other way quickly in the 52^nd minute. Kierstyn Weaver had the ball on the left side of the field and her cross into the box found Kovarik who's left-footed shot got past Schneider for her third of the game.

Then, in the 64^th minute, the Griffins were awarded a corner kick. Kohenskey's cross went to Libby Bateman and she headed in her attempt for her first goal on the season. It was all Fontbonne the rest of the way securing the shutout win.

Fontbonne Leaders

• The Griffins finished with a dominating 23-2 shot advantage.
• Kovarik's goals were her 20^th, 21^st, and 22^nd on the year. She's now up to 128 career points at Fontbonne needing just five more to become the all-time leader.
• She's currently five goals behind Molly Prado (1996) for the single season record at Fontbonne in goals.
• Kohenskey's three assist performance ties her career-high with 13 on the year.
• She's moved up to third place all-time in career assists at Fontbonne with 26.
• Libby Bateman's goal was her fourth in career.
• Mary Beers collected shutout No. 23.

Up Next

The Griffins will now take on No. 2 seeded Webster on Saturday in the SLIAC Championship after the Gorloks defeated No. 3 Greenville, 2-0. Kick-off is slated for 4 p.m., from Centene Stadium.

About Fontbonne University

Fontbonne University is a private, Catholic liberal arts university located in St. Louis, committed to a transformative education and inspiring students to become global citizens who think critically, act ethically and serve responsibly. The university, founded in 1923, is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. For more information, visit www.fontbonne.edu.

Make sure to follow the women's soccer team on all its social media accounts: Twitter (@fbuwsoccer), Instagram (@fbuwsoccer) and Facebook (/FontbonneUGriffins).