Women’s Soccer: Cuba nets two in 4-0 win over St. Bonaventure

Ashley Cuba scored a goal in each period as the Pitt women’s soccer team defeated St. Bonaventure 4-0 at Founders Field on Sunday.

The Panthers had a quick start, with two goals coming within the first 20 minutes of play.

The early offensive barrage surprised many, considering the Panthers played to a 1-1 double overtime tie against West Virginia on Friday.

But Pitt head coach Sue-Moy Chin said she knew the importance of a successful first period because the Panthers might start feeling the effects of the West Virginia game as time passed.

“That’s something we stressed in pre-game — getting an early jump on them and starting out strong,” Chin said. “Especially after Friday night, with how long and hard we played, we knew we weren’t going to have good legs.”

Cuba made the first goal in the 12th minute off a Katelyn Ruhe assist.

Pitt’s Laura Berbert followed with a goal in the 19th minute to give the Panthers a 2-0 advantage.

The 2-0 lead held until the break, and Pitt took an 8-2 shot advantage into halftime.

In the second quarter, the Panthers showed no signs of weariness from their game on Friday.

They even added to their lead in the final minutes of play.

Lyndsay Pierson beat the goalie for a score in the 79th minute, and Cuba assisted on the play.

Then, Ashley Habbel and Ruhe set up a goal for Cuba in the 84th minute to produce the final margin of victory.

“It was a great setup by Ruhe playing it in to Habbel, and Habbel did a great job in serving the ball across,” Chin said.

“I think those two were the unsung heroes of that goal.”

Cuba led the Panthers with three shots on goal. Pitt out-shot the Bonnies 14-7 and finished with a 7-4 advantage in shots on goal.

“Playing a complete game is something that we’ve been working on,” Chin said. “We played well in our other games, but having that strong start is something we’ve been looking for.”

The Panthers return to action on Sept. 24, when they take on South Florida at Founders Field at 7 p.m.