September 21, 2005
Bradley hat-trick gives Lady Monarchs big 4-2 victory over Averett

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Needing a victory the worse way possible, the Methodist Lady Monarch soccer team looked to Chrystal Bradley to provide some direction. She did just that.

The sophomore forward recorded a hat trick on Wednesday as the Lady Monarchs defeated rival Averett 4-2 in a key USA South Athletic Conference game at Monarch Soccerplex. The victory ends a five-game losing streak for Methodist, which improves to 3-5 overall and 1-1 in the USA South Athletic Conference.

Not only did the Lady Monarchs end a losing streak, they also ended a scoreless streak. Bradley’s header in the third minute off a cross pass from Brenda Chambers gave Methodist its first goal in five games. However, Averett tied the game five minutes later when Kristen McCartney scored on a direct kick from approximately 40 yards out.

The score stay tied for much of the first half until freshman Morgan Elder scored off an assist by Jessica Ballard in the 41st minute to give the Lady Monarchs a 2-1 lead at halftime.

Bradley took control in the second half with two goals. She scored in the 60th minute and then in the 88th minute, and both came off assists by Elyse Myers. Averett’s final score came with eight seconds remaining on a goal by Vanessa Jordan. Averett keeper Tunisa Bumphus was superb, recording 12 saves.

Methodist plays host to Piedmont on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Monarch Soccerplex.