INDIANA, Pa. – The IUP Crimson Hawks women's soccer team opened the 2025 season in dominant fashion Thursday evening with a resounding 10–0 victory over West Liberty at South Campus Field.
Five different players scored for the Crimson Hawks, including multi-goal efforts from
Melody Leiva and
Adi Myers, while senior
Jordina Rovira Sole tallied both a goal and an assist. The IUP defense held West Liberty without a shot to secure a dominant clean sheet to start the season.
First Half
The Crimson Hawks wasted no time asserting themselves, as
Abby Caruso opened the scoring just 1:08 into the match. The sophomore forward connected with a well-placed ball from
Avery Clanton and calmly slotted her shot to the bottom center of the net, putting IUP up 1-0 before West Liberty had time to settle in.
IUP continued to apply pressure, dominating possession and controlling the midfield. In the 15th minute,
Elle Smith extended the lead with a powerful strike to the lower left corner, beating the goalkeeper.
The Hawks didn't let up.
Lauren Gunsett added the third goal in the 30th minute with a finish from inside the box. Just six minutes later,
Melody Leiva made it 4-0 with a left-footed effort to the bottom left corner, capping an outstanding first-half display that showcased IUP's sharpness in the final third.
West Liberty struggled to generate any rhythm as the Crimson Hawks maintained overwhelming possession and defensive organization throughout the half.
Second Half
The Crimson Hawks carried their momentum into the second half and wasted little time getting back on the scoresheet. Myers found the net in the 47th minute with a left-footed strike to the bottom center of the goal.
Just six minutes later,
Melody Leiva tallied her second of the night, finishing from close range after an assist from
Jordina Rovira Sole, making it 6-0. Myers followed suit with her second goal in the 59th minute, again showcasing her ability to capitalize on IUP's dominance in midfield.
The scoring parade continued in the 64th minute when IUP added an eighth goal, an unassisted finish to the bottom left corner. In the 81st minute, Rovira Sole stepped up to the spot and converted a penalty kick, slotting her shot down the middle for her first goal of the season.
The final blow came in the 88th minute when freshman
Ayla Ward buried a clean finish to the bottom center, marking her first career collegiate goal and putting the exclamation point on a dominant evening for the Crimson Hawks.
Defensively, IUP was unstoppable. The back line allowed zero shots over 90 minutes, and goalkeeper duties were minimal as West Liberty failed to register a single shot on goal. The team's discipline on both ends of the field contributed to a complete team performance and a statement win to open the season.
HIGHLIGHTS
Leiva and Myers each posted multi-goal efforts.
Rovira Sole recorded both her first goal and assist of the season.
Ayla Ward scored her first career goal in the 87th minute.
Five different players scored in the first half alone.
IUP outshot West Liberty 21-0 and earned seven corner kicks.
Emily Mannion received a yellow card in the 65th minute IUP's only booking.
The 10-0 margin marks IUP's most lopsided win in a season opener in recent history.
Up Next
The Crimson Hawks return to action on Saturday, September 7, hosting Findlay at South Campus Field. Kickoff is set for 1:00pm
Follow
For up-to-date information, visit IUPathletics.com and follow IUP women's soccer on X (Twitter) @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPsoccer.
SCORING SUMMARY
Time Scorer Assist Score
1:08
Abby Caruso Avery Clanton 1–0
14:52
Elle Smith 2–0
29:42
Lauren Gunsett 3–0
35:41
Melody Leiva 4–0
47:07
Adi Myers 5–0
53:19
Melody Leiva Jordina Rovira Sole 6–0
58:39
Adi Myers 7–0
63:26 [Unlisted Scorer] 8–0
80:56
Jordina Rovira Sole 9–0
87:16
Ayla Ward 10–0
Follow
For up-to-date information, visit IUPathletics.com and follow IUP women's soccer on X (Twitter) @IUPCrimsonHawk and @IUPsoccer.
