CHARLOTTE, NC — It was "Freshman Fest 2026" for the Bellarmine University women's soccer team Thursday night at the Queens Sports Complex.
All four of Bellarmine's season high in goals were delivered by freshmen as the Knights rolled to a 4-0 win over Queens in Atlantic Sun Conference play.
While a Bellarmine victory could by no means be classified as surprising, the decisiveness of the triumph could certainly be viewed as unexpected. After all, the Knights (4-6-2, 2-2-1 ASUN) entered the contest 0-4-2 on the road.
From the get-go, Bellarmine seemed intent to change that narrative. The Knights located the net twice inside the first 18 minutes and didn't let up in the second half while tacking on two more goals and posting a clean sheet.
Bellarmine's defensive midfield of freshmen
Rachel Shewmaker and
Ella Flynn went on the offensive against Queens (2-9-2, 1-3-1), accounting for the Knights' first three goals. Shewmaker struck first in the 17th minute on a header off a service from sophomore forward
Katie Paulakonis for her first collegiate goal.
One minute later, Flynn rammed in a header off a service from freshman forward
Brooklyn Donohue. Not stopping there, Flynn secured a brace in the 58th minute, burying a low missile from roughly 30 yards inside the right post after being teed up by Paulakonis. Flynn now has four goals this season.
Morgan Holloway netted her first collegiate goal in the 69th minute. The freshman forward used her shoulder to bat in a service from sophomore midfielder
Nora Dimmitt to cap the scoring.
Bellarmine's defense notched its second shutout. The Knights limited the Royals to two shots on goal. Overall, Bellarmine had a 15-8 advantage in shots, with a remarkable 12 on frame.
Bellarmine's match Sunday at West Florida has been postponed in anticipation of Tropical Storm Isaias. As of now, the Knights' next contest is set for 2 p.m. (ET) Sunday, Oct. 18, at Lipscomb.
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