The Virginia Wesleyan University women's soccer team (1-0) opened its 2025 campaign with an impressive 3-0 shutout victory over Saint Benedict.
The Marlins had three different goal scorers
Shyenne Diaz,
Lyla Wells, and
Alexis Manfredi.
Allie Greco recorded the win in net as she played 45 minutes with one save in her first win of the year.
The Marlins started strong recording five shots in the first ten minutes of the game, but were unable to get past the Bennies goalkeeper. VWU kept up the pressure for the next 20 minutes and then in the 31st minute Shyenne broke through with the first goal of the season, putting VWU ahead 1-0.
10 minutes later,
Lyla Wells doubled the lead with a strike in the 41st minute to increase the Marlins lead to 2-0. However, the Marlins weren't done yet as
Alexis Manfredi closed out the half with a goal with less than 90 seconds left in the first half to give the Marlins a commanding 3-0 advantage heading into the break.
Virginia Wesleyan's defense did the rest, limiting the Bennies to just five total shots, with only two on frame. VWU fired off 18 shots, 12 on goal, forcing Saint Benedict's goalkeeper into nine saves on the night.
With the win, VWU starts the season unbeaten while securing its first clean sheet of 2025.
The Marlins return to action on Sunday, August 31 at 11AM when they host the United States Merchant Marine Academy at home.
