Virella, Berman, Mitchell and Bike Score in 4-0 Win Over UConn

Virella, Berman, Mitchell and Bike Score in 4-0 Win Over UConn

August 11, 2017 | Women's Soccer

Eagles scored three second half goal in exhibition

By: Athletic Communications

The Boston College women's soccer team traveled to Connecticut to play an exhibition game against the Huskies. Four different players scored to lead BC past host UConn, 4-0, on Friday night in Storrs, Conn. Elysa Virella, Lauren Berman, Gianna Mitchell and Jenna Bike all scored in win, while Alexis Bryant had two saves in goal and earned the shutout.

BC started Alexis Bryant in goal with Allyson Swaby, Madison Kenny, Elysa Virella and Mijke Roelfsema on defense. Sam Coffey, Kayla Jennings Gianna Mitchell and Lauren Berman controlled the middle of the field while Olivia Vaughn and Jenna Bike were up front. Mitchell, Coffey, Roelfsema are all freshman while Virella, a junior transfer, earned the start as well.

Virella, a native of New Jersey, struck early for the Eagles as she scored in the 14th minute of play. BC held a 7-5 lead in shots at the half.

In the 56^th minute of the game, senior midfielder Lauren Berman gave BC a 2-0 lead. Berman scored off an errant goalkeeper clear by UConn. Rookie Gianna Mitchell extended the Eagles lead, 3-0, in the 64^th minute and three minutes later, sophomore Jenna Bike put one in the back of the net.

Coach Foley's Overall Take:
"I thought the first half we had a bit of nerves which is expected,'' said head coach Alison Foley. "I thought we did a much better job possessing and with our build up in the second half. Our defensive adjustments were also very good and we limited UConn from combining in the midfield which was a problem in the first half."

On the new starters:
"The four new starters certainly showed that they are going to be keys to our success this year,'' said Foley.

Game Notes: The Eagles are just one week away from opening the 2017 season at the JMU Tournament in Virginia. BC will open up on Friday against host JMU at 7 p.m. followed by a Sunday morning match against William & Mary (11:30 a.m.) ... BC started four new players – Elysa Virella, Mijke Roelfsema, Sam Coffey and Gianna Mitchell … Boston College had 18 shots while only giving up eight shots … Coach Foley used all 21 players in the exhibition ... The Eagles also had five corner kicks to just two for UConn … Jenna Bike led BC with five shots while rookie Sam Coffey had four … After playing two games on the road next weekend, the Eagles will return for the home opener on August 25 vs. Vanderbilt at 7 p.m. … Remember to follow the team on social media – Twitter/@BC_WSOC and Instagram/@BC_WSOC.