By Steve Carpenter HCC Sports Information

 

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The No. 15 Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer team surged in the second half as sophomore Jordan Downing continued her prolific play as the Blue Dragons shut out Garden City 5-0 on Wednesday afternoon at the Salthawk Sports Complex.

The Jayhawk West first-place Blue Dragons secured their fifth shutout in six games this season to move to 6-0 overall and 3-0 (9 points) in the Jayhawk West. Garden City falls to 2-3-1 and 1-2 in conference play.

Hutchinson led only 1-0 at halftime despite out-shooting Garden City 21-1 in the opening stanza. Sophomore Jordan Smith scored in the 33rd minute on a Downing assist to get the Blue Dragons on the board against a defensively packed Broncbuster team.

Downing earned her second helper of the game just 3:26 into the second half when she fed freshman Sheena Nicol for her ninth goal of the season. The Blue Dragons steadily opened the margin throughout the second half with a decisive 15-3 shot advantage. Downing added a pair of goals, along with freshman Louise Doherty. Dayna Johnson, Downing and Jazmin Hartshorn were credited with assists.

Downing’s seven-point game (2 goals, 3 assists) gives her four-straight games of at least six points. The nation’s leader in goals, assists and points upped her totals to 16 goals, 12 assists and 44 points. All three of those marks have surpassed Downing’s freshman totals in just six games of her sophomore season. She had 12 goals and 10 assists in her last four games alone.

The Blue Dragons split team in goal for the fifth time this season. Sophomore Caroline Howard moved to 6-0 for the season with one save in 71 minutes. Freshman Ashley Main had one save in 19 minutes.

Garden City goalkeeper Elia Garcia had 11 saves.

The Blue Dragons will step out of conference play for a tough matchup on a neutral field at Noon Saturday. Hutchinson will play No. 10 Navarro at B&G Products Stadium in El Dorado.