LATE FIRST HALF SURGE KEYS HIGHLANDERS' 4-0 WIN OVER ASHEVILLE

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RADFORD, Va. – Radford scored three goals in a 3:22 span late in the first half and went on to defeat UNC Asheville, 4-0 and set a new home undefeated streak at 16 matches (14-0-2). The victory also extended Radford's winning streak to six and their regular season Big South undefeated stretch to 17 (13-0-4).

Freshman Britney Kendall, junior Kara Wade and senior Julie Ruh'e each recorded a goal and an assist during the Highlanders' (10-1-1/6-0 Big South) surge with the team's leading goal scorer, senior Sahar Aflaki, adding an early goal in the second half for the final margin. Seniors Che' Brown and Lauren Markey each saw time in net and combined for five saves as Radford recorded its fourth straight clean sheet and eighth shutout of the season.

After several early chances, Kendall broke the scorlessss deadlock at 34:22 when her low shot from 30-plus yards trickled through the keeper's hands for a 1-0 lead. It didn't take long for RU to double its lead when a nice combination by Kendall and Ruh'e set up Wade for a wide-open finish from two yards just 34 seconds later.

Ruh'e capped off the three-goal surge in the 38^th minute, blasting a shot from just inside the 18 low and into the right side of the net, following a flick from freshman Lexi Denny, which was preceded by Wade's service to her. It was Ruh'e's third strike of the season and Denny's first collegiate helper and point in front of her hometown fans.

The Highlanders outshot the Bulldogs, 15-2 and owned all six corner kicks.

Aflaki closed out the scoring in the 49^th minute, chipping the ball over the keeper for her fifth goal of the season. Her score was set up a long header by junior Caitlin Annear off a UNCA goal kick to midfield.

Markey, who entered for the final 37:25 was tested right off the bat, but calmly made a diving stop on a low 22-yard free kick. She would finish with three saves to help keep the shutout intact.

Heather Muller and Suzie Zigante each played a half in goal for the Bulldogs with Muller making six of the UNCA's eight saves. RU outshot UNC Asheville, 18-7 and was led by Aflaki's game-high four shots. Amanda Dailor registered two shots for the Bulldogs.

Radford closes out its three-game home stand on Wednesday, Oct. 16 hosting Gardner-Webb at 7:00 p.m. It will be Cancer Awareness and Amy Strong night at Cupp Stadium. Where you pink and purchase your Amy Strong bracelet as Radford Women's Soccer helps with the fight against cancer.

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