MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Mississippi College secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Christian Brothers on Friday at Signaigo Field. The Blue and Gold scored once in the first half and added four more goals in the second half. The win featured a standout team performance, with MC outshooting CBU 17-8 and maintaining a strong defensive line, achieving a shutout with three saves.

The first half began with Mississippi College asserting early pressure, culminating in a goal by Charlie Cooper in the 14th minute, assisted by Lillie Young. This early strike gave the Choctaws a 1-0 lead and set the tone for their offensive efforts. Despite multiple shots from Olivia Graham and Vail Wartes, opportunities to extend the lead went unconverted. 

MC's defense remained solid throughout the half, limiting CBU to minimal chances. The half closed with the Blue and Gold maintaining their narrow 1-0 advantage, as the team headed into the halftime break with the lead.

The second half began with the Choctaws establishing control early, as Summer Utzig's efforts culminated in a goal at the 60th minute, extending the visitors' lead to 2-0. Shortly after, Wartes capitalized on an assist from Kyra Morgan to increase the lead to three goals at the 71st minute. MC maintained momentum with Jadyn Mallory scoring just four minutes later, effectively putting the game further out of reach.

The scoring was capped off by Paula Catalan's late goal, assisted by Bailey Donahue, in the 88th minute, sealing a decisive 5-0 victory for The Blue and Gold. The period closed with a strong defensive performance, highlighted by Celine Grothe's saves, ensuring a clean sheet for the visitors.

MC capitalized on early opportunities to take a 1-0 lead over CBU in the first half. Cooper's goal in the 14th minute, assisted by Lillie Young, came shortly after Cooper's initial shot went wide. MC's aggressive play included four shots, though three were off-target, and they were called offside twice. At the end of the half, the score stood at 1-0 in favor of MC.

The Blue and Gold extended their advantage with a commanding second half, scoring four unanswered goals. Utzig broke through in the 60th minute, followed by Wartes netting in the 71st minute with an assist from Morgan. Mallory added another in the 75th, and Catalan capped the performance with a goal in the 88th minute, assisted by Donahue. MC's pressure resulted in multiple corner kicks and limited CBU to a scoreless half, finishing with a decisive 5-0 victory.

Cooper contributed a crucial goal, which was also the game-winner, in the Choctaws' recent match. Mia Santiago, playing in goal, secured a clean sheet with three saves, all coming in the second half. Wartes found the back of the net once, converting one of her two shots into a goal. Additionally, Catalan scored, making her only shot on target count in the game.

Mississippi Col. Top Performers  

Celine Grothe  
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- 3 saves  
- 90 minutes played  
- 1 shutout  

Vail Wartes  
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- 1 goal  
- 2 shots  
- 1 shot on goal  

Paula Catalan  
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- 1 goal  
- 1 shot  
- 1 shot on goal  

Charlie Cooper  
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- 1 goal  
- 3 shots  
- 1 game-winning goal  

Summer Utzig  
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- 1 goal  
- 3 shots  
- 3 shots on goal  

The Blue and Gold improved to 2-4-1 overall and 1-1-1 in conference play with the victory. CBU fell to 1-4-1 overall and 0-2-0 in conference action. Read Full Article