ST. DAVIDS, Pa. - Brynn Rathsam scored four goals, Gabi Hollinger netted a hat trick, and Eastern Women's Soccer dominated from start to finish in a 9-1 victory over the Gwynedd Mercy Griffins on Tuesday afternoon at Olson Field. The Eagles increased their season-long winning streak to four matches, and their nine goals are the most they've scored in a single outing since tallying 11 against Delaware State back in March.
Hollinger and Rathsam combined for the first five scores, and Hollinger completed her hat trick in the 21st minute of play. The Mountville, Pa. native also assisted on Rathsam's first two tallies, and first-year forward Gianna Festino capped off the first half scoring with her first collegiate goal in the 38th minute.
"We have been a bit of a second half team thus far this season, so we really put an emphasis on trying to come out of the gates flying today," Eastern Head Coach AJ Stueck said. "Scoring in the opening minute really set the tone for the remainder of the game."
Rathsam added two more goals four minutes apart in the second half, and Sydney Koncsol notched her second of the season to wrap up the Eagles' complete-game triumph. Additionally, Autumn Wimbrough played a nice game in the midfield, recording a pair of assists, while Madelyn Mullen also finished with a helper in the contest.
As a team, the Eagles dominated both possession and field position, recording a remarkable 45 total shots in the contest. Furthermore, over the last four matches, Hollinger and Rathsam have combined for an incredible 11 goals and five assists.
"Brynn and Gabi are becoming quite the combinations," Stueck said. "I'm very happy to see their skill being rewarded. As a team, we had some very nice combinations and build-ups, and this four-game win streak has been a product of getting better every day."
Eastern Women's Soccer begins conference play on Saturday when it travels to Maryland to take on MAC Commonwealth foe Hood. Kickoff is set for 4:00 pm.
"The team continues to bring awesome energy and support for one another," Stueck said. "I believe this chemistry and positivity will help us as we head into conference play Saturday."