September 16, 1998

Monmouth,IL – Sophomore Jessica Adams (Harvard,IL/HS) was involved in all five Monmouth scores as the women’s soccer team crushed Blackburn by a score of 5-1 in a non-conference road match. The Fighting Scots, now 2-1 on the season, dominated the match with superior defense and a potent offensive attack and posted their second straight victory over the Beavers, having claimed a 4-3 win last fall in Monmouth.

The individual performance by Adams highlighted the Scots’ overall effort. The sophomore striker connected for her second career hat trick, scoring three goals and tying her own school record for most goals in a single game. She had also tallied three last fall in a match against Greenville College. Adams was also credited with assists on Monmouth’s other two scores, giving her four goals and four assists in the team’s first three matches.

Adams opened the Scots’ scoring at the 17:19 mark of the opening period, converting a deflection off a shot by senior Tisha Kimoto (Pittsford,NY/Waubonsie Valley [IL] HS). She extended the lead to 2-0 eight minutes later, again netting a deflection shot off an assist by sophomore Kim Morris (Crystal Lake,IL/Central). Kimoto scored her third goal of the young season at the 27-minute mark to put the Scots up 3-0. Morris and Adams were both credited with assists.

After a Blackburn goal early in the second half, Monmouth found the nets again to increase its lead. Junior Sarah Stevenson (St. Louis,MO/Cleveland NJROTC) connected on her first goal of the season from a combined assist by Adams and freshman Jennifer Roth (East Peoria,IL/ HS). Adams closed out her outstanding day with her third score on an assist from junior co-captain Jill Heneghan (Godfrey,IL/Alton) with just over 15 minutes remaining on the game clock.

Junior Colleen Shaughnessy (Springfield,IL/Ursuline Academy) and sophomore Trisha Larson (Rockford,IL/East) split halves in goal for Monmouth and each had to make only one save as the Monmouth defense allowed only eight shots. Monmouth attempted 31 shots and was able to play several reserves off the bench to give players valuable game experience.

"Despite taking many more shots and forcing Blackburn’s goalkeeper to make several nice saves, this was a very good match for our defense," said Monmouth coach Simon Cordery. "Our backfield shut down Blackburn’s fast forwards and made some great transition plays to the midfield. This was a good performance for us with the Midwest Conference season approaching."

Monmouth will play home non-conference games against MacMurray (Sept. 18) and Augustana (Sept. 20) before starting the MWC league schedule at home against Grinnell on September 23rd.