LEBANON, Tenn-- Number 16 Cumberland dominates season opener, taking down the Bryan College Lions 8-0. The Phoenix outshot the Lions on goal 22-1, as they kept a consistent pressure on Bryan’s side of the field and controlled the momentum over both halves. 

The Phoenix had six players register their first goals of the season, with Haley Stevens and Macy Douglas both making two. Along with Douglas, Sarah Haddock and Marie Bathe recorded two assists in the match. 

Cumberland (1-0-0) took an early possession in the first half, taking a shot within the game’s first minute. Bryan’s keeper Alyssa Karnes made two saves from the goal by the second minute of the game. 

Cumberland’s Marie Bathe took a free kick after the Lion’s second foul and a ricocheted save on goal gave the Phoenix another close attempt. 

Despite the heavy defensive pressure, Macy Douglas worked around her opponent to secure the first goal of the game and of the season for the Phoenix. Sarah Haddock assisted the goal with a long pass from midfield, setting the forward up nicely for the opportunity. The Phoenix seemed unstoppable from then on, allowing that energy to secure them a dominant win.

The Lions took their first attempt towards the Phoenix goal off of a free kick with 22 minutes left in the half, but missed high left. This would be the only opportunity the Lions saw in the match. Aside from a few Lion breakaways, the ball remained mostly in Cumberland control from that point on. 

The Phoenix kept the pressure on for the remainder of the half, with Haley Stevens registering her first goal of the season at the 18 minute mark, assisted by Monica Mullany and Gabby Jones. 

To close the first half, Cumberland’s Hailey Burroughs made a close-call attempt at the Lion’s goal, and a blocked ball off the goalie allowed Ayline Mateos to secure the goal for the Phoenix. Just a few seconds later, Hailey Burroughs secured goal number four for Cumberland, closing the first half with a score of 4-0. Burroughs was assisted by Marie Bathe. 

The Phoenix made an impressive 11 attempts at goal in the first half alone, compared to the one attempt from the Lions. 

The second half proved to be equally successful for the Phoenix, as they matched their goal outing with 4 in each half. 

Cumberland carried their momentum into the second half, as Haley Stevens secured her second goal of the game after only one and a half minutes of play after halftime. 

Macy Douglas found her second goal of the game after a successful connection with Bathes, extending the lead to 6-0 in the 52nd minute. 

To close out the game, Gabby Jones found her first goal of the season with a deep corner shot in the 83rd minute. She was assisted by Alicia Holmberg and Ayline Mateos. 

In the final minute of the game, Haley Stevens connected with Marie Bathes for Bathes to find her first goal of the season, bringing the score up to 8-0. 

Haley Stevens and Macy Douglas led all players with two goals a piece. Marie Bathes recorded 2 assists in the match. 

The Phoenix will make their next appearance back at home on Sunday, August 28th. They will take on Union College at 1 pm.