Box Score

Salisbury, N.C.----Wingate University freshman forward Samantha Leonard (Conowingo, Md.) had two goals and an assist Wednesday afternoon, while classmate Taylor Leyble (Jacksonville, N.C.) added a goal and an assist to lead the Bulldogs to a 4-1 win at 10th-ranked Catawba College in South Atlantic Conference women's soccer action. The Bulldogs improve to 2-2-2 overall and 2-1 in the SAC. The Indians fall to 6-1 overall and 2-1 in the conference.

After 39 scoreless minutes, Leonard got the 'Dogs on the board with her first collegiate goal, beating her defender to the middle of the field and finding the upper corner from the top of the box. Wingate led 1-0 at halftime, out-shooting Catawba 5-2.

The Bulldogs took a two-goal lead less than three minutes into the second half, when All-American forward Jade Montgomery (Monroe, N.C.) drew a foul in the box, leading to a penalty kick. Sophomore midfielder Kaitlyn Brunworth (Littleton, Colo.) converted the PK to make it 2-0.

Catawba got on the board with 25 minutes remaining in the half when Kate Weisner found the back of the net for the eighth time this year.

Wingate had the answer, scoring twice in a span of 23 seconds to put the game away. Leyble had the first goal on a perfect feed from Leonard to make it 3-1, netting her first collegiate goal.

Leyble returned the favor, assisting on Leonard's second goal of the day 23 seconds later to put the 'Dogs on top by three with five minutes remaining.

The Bulldogs outshot the Indians 13-9 on the afternoon, holding a 10-7 edge in shots on goal. Senior goalkeeper Ashlyn Hardie (Summerfield, N.C.) piled up six saves for Wingate. Bethany Davis had six saves for Catawba.

The Bulldogs are back in action Saturday, opening a four-game home stand against Tusculum at 5 p.m.