News

Wingate University Women's Soccer hits #11 in the nation

Date Posted: 10/9/2015

Kansas City, Mo.----The undefeated Wingate University Bulldogs moved up another spot in the NSCAA Division II women's soccer top 25, ranking 11th in the poll released Tuesday afternoon. Wingate made its first appearance in the rankings on Sept. 22, while jumping to 12th in last week's poll. The Bulldogs are 9-0 overall and 6-0 in the SAC. Wingate is also ranked second in the NSCAA Southeast Region poll.

The Bulldogs are one of only three teams remaining in Division II without a loss or a tie this year. The 'Dogs are the only team in the league ranked in the top 25. Joining Wingate in the top 25 from the Southeast Region is number two North Georgia and 17th-ranked Columbus State.

The Bulldogs have outscored their opponents 23-5 on the year. Wingate most recently traveled to Coker and came back with a 5-0 victory. Goals came from Mackenzie Cherniuk, Kaitlyn Brunworth, Gabby Caliendo, Maggie Smith, and Alex Beery. Coach Chip Wiggins' post-game interview can be found here. Previous to that they came away with a 2-0 win at Lincoln Memorial. All-Region midfielder Kaitlyn Brunworth (Littleton, Colo.) scored the first goal, while freshman Kimmi Moore (Hubert, N.C.) added a goal in the second half.

Wingate opened the year with a pair of road wins, starting with a 3-2 victory at Lander. Goals from Brooke Howell (Charlotte, N.C.) and Brunworth had the game tied 2-2 in the final minute. Sophomore Taylor Leyble (Jacksonville, N.C.) netted the game-winner with 18 seconds left in regulation to give Wingate a dramatic season-opening win.

The Bulldogs followed with a 2-1 win at Mount Olive. Junior defender Macy Franklin (Conover, N.C.) got Wingate on the board in the sixth minute, while freshman Sophie Jendrzejczyk (St. Charles, Ill.) scored the game-winner with less than 20 minutes left in regulation. Jendrzejczyk had a goal and an assist in the 2-0 win against USC Aiken in the home opener, while junior Naomi Matley (Clover, S.C.) also found the back of the net.

Wingate opened SAC play with a 4-0 victory at Mars Hill. Moore and Gabby Caliendo (Orlando, Fla.) scored in the first half, while Leyble added a second-half goal for the 'Dogs. Wingate notched a 2-1 win over Anderson, with senior Victoria Fichman (Matthews, N.C.) netting her first goal in the 14th minute. Gabby Fleischli (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) also scored her first career goal for the Bulldogs, who built a 2-0 halftime lead against the Trojans in what was a battle of the final two undefeated SAC teams.

Caliendo sored an overtime game-winner in Wingate's 1-0 victory over Queens. Moore netted a goal in the 70th minute at Newberry, but the Wolves scored the equalizer late to send it to overtime. The 'Dogs prevailed in double overtime on a goal from freshman Caileigh Apicella (Islip Terrace, N.Y.).

Wingate's balanced attack has seen 14 different players score this year, led by Brunworth, Caliendo, and Moore with three goals. Wingate has five players with at least two goals this season. 

Sophomore goalkeeper Alexis Jones (Midway Park, N.C.) leads the SAC in goals-against average (0.37)and save percentage (.880). As a team the Bulldogs lead the league in goals-against average (0.54), allowing a conference-best two goals in SAC contests.

Wingate take on Brevard in SAC play on Saturday at 5pm. The game will be streamed live on ESPN3.

Catch up with Head Coach Chip Wiggins and the team in the most recent Practice Report, or meet the team in their Meet the Team video!