DePaul University Athletics
Goal Rush Propels Seven-Game Winning Streak
10/12/2016 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
CHICAGO- These Blue Demons have just set a program record with seven consecutive victories in a row, outscoring their opponents 24-5.
This goals rush has elevated DePaul (8-4-2, 5-0-0 in the BIG EAST) to a prominent place among NCAA statistical leaders.
Coach Erin Chastain's side is No. 7 in the nation in goals, No. 9 in scoring offense, No. 11 in points and No. 17 in assists.
After getting off to a slow start during nonconference season, DePaul has but made a strong comeback and is striving towards another BIG EAST title behind an attack featuring Abby Reed (nine goals), Franny Cerny (seven), Taylor Schissler (five), Alexa Ben (five) and Ana Greik (five).
Greik and Cerny have recorded hat tricks this season and Reed is No. 16 among NCAA active leaders in goals and points. Ben is sixth in assists per game among active NCAA leaders and tied for 12th in total assists.
Backing up the high-powered attack is a defense that produced back-to-back shutouts of Butler and Villanova last week behind the rock-solid performances of BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week Lucy Edwards, Elizabeth Endy, Avery Hay, Kelli Hubly and Schissler.
Reed is a senior forward who is No. 14 in the country in points and was recently named espnW's National Soccer Player of the Week and BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week. She leads the team with 24 points.
"In nonconference, we struggled a lot to put away our chances to win games we should have won," Reed said. "We've have had more fun with it recently which makes the scoring a lot easier. Once a couple come, it's like the floodgates are opening."
The Blue Demons have scored a total of 36 goals this season and believe they can keep the momentum alive. The program record for goals in a season is 46 set in 2004.
Greik is a four-year senior who helps to hold the team together with her leadership and experience.
"It's neat to see a bunch of people scoring and being involved in the attack," Greik said. "It is such a mentality thing for us, and we really are getting going now.
"We have had so many different people scoring, so it's hard to focus on stopping one or two of us. It doesn't start with one person every time."
Schissler is a senior defender who has scored five times and also been responsible for many of the assists that have led to the deluge of goals.
"It was bound to happen," Schissler said. "We have been creating chances all season and everything is clicking now. We are creating chances and maximizing them.
"It is fun scoring. Anyone on our team can step up, and a lot of people have contributed. As long as everyone shows up and does their jobs every day, I don't see why we can't maintain this attack."
With conference games left against St. John's (Saturday), Providence, Georgetown and Marquette, the Blue Demons are looking to maintain their hold on the top spot in the standings. That quartet of opponents will provide some of the toughest challenges as the regular season winds down.
Saturday's BIG EAST showdown at Belson Stadium in Queens, N.Y. is set for a noon kickoff and will be broadcast on the BIG EAST Digital Network which can be accessed at foxsportsgo.com.
