Five Devils score, whip Webb

Last night's women's soccer match was over almost as soon as it began. Duke won easily 5-0 against Gardner-Webb (7-8-1)in a non-conference game.

After scoring their first goal just minutes into the contest, the ninth-ranked Blue Devils (11-5-1) never looked back.

"I really was happy with the way the girls came out," Duke head coach Robbie Church said. "I really was happy with their attacking attitude."

The Bulldog (7-8-1) defenders were busy all night long, especially in the first half, as the Blue Devil offense took a bevy of shots.

"I thought a lot of players took a lot more offensive responsibilities in that we penetrated on dribbles, passes and shots," Church said.

Freshman Rebecca Moros put in Duke's first goal after teammate Carolyn Riggs' initial shot was deflected.

Carmen Bognanno then scored her third goal of the season 17 minutes into the match. Riggs notched her second assist of the night, hitting Bognanno with a precise centering pass from the left side of the box.

The third goal was scored just two minutes after Bognanno's when, off a corner, Kate Seibert placed a header in the back of the net.

For the final goal of the half, Lauren Simel dribbled the ball to the center of the field and fired a shot from just outside the box. The ball got past the outstretched hands of Bulldog goalie Hilary George and landed in the upper left-hand corner of the net.

"Lauren Simel hit a really nice shot," Church said. "That was the best dribble penetration shot."

While Duke was playing nearly flawless offense in the first half, its defense was superb as well. It allowed just one shot and kept the ball in Gardner-Webb territory for almost the entire period.

"We were just trying to move the ball quickly and work on the things we need to do like finishing off of set plays," Simel said. "It was a good game to do that."

The second half was similar to the first, as the Blue Devils continued their attack. Sarah McCabe scored the final goal of the match from just seven yards out. Lauren Tippets' shot hit the crossbar and bounced right to McCabe for the easy put in.

Gardner-Webb was able muster a bit more of an attack against the Blue Devil defense in the second period. However, Liz Kier missed on its best scoring opportunity of the game, hitting a shot wide left.

Duke needed this victory after falling to Clemson 1-0 this past weekend. The Blue Devils are currently tied for fourth in the ACC and will face Maryland in their final regular season game on Friday night.

"We are really concentrating on Maryland right now," Simel said. "Its our last game and its senior night. It can make the difference between third place and sixth place in the ACC."

Duke is also looking to host the first and second round matches of the NCAA tournament, something that could be crucial considering that it is 6-2 at home, including three victories over top-10 opponents.

"It was huge," Simel said. "We had to win this game in order to have a chance to host in the NCAA's.."