Aurilio Amazes in 3-0 Shutout Win

HOAG FIELD- The Bethany Bison hosted Washington and Jefferson (W&J) in their first Presidents Athletic Conference home game of the week. The Bison offense exploded in the first half for three goals, launching Bethany to a shutout victory at Hoag Field. It was the most goals scored in the first half since September 19th, 2022 when the Bison scored eight goals against PSU-Beaver.

The Bison struck early and often, with Sophomore Avallina Aurilio playing a vital part in every goal. The midfielder typically has a more defensive and possession role. Although in this game, she found herself making a direct impact on the scoring. Aurilio scored a goal while earning two assists, compiling the best scoring game of her young career within the 25 minutes of play. Aurilio's four points in this game currently serves as two-third of her career points (six).

The first goal in the eighth minute was not the most eye-catching score. Regardless, it put Bethany on the board. Aurilio passed Jada Benjamin the ball in the box. Assuming that Benjamin would have turned to her strong side, the Presidents were caught off guard when she turned the opposite way. Benjamin was contested, but was able to push the ball in the direction of the goal where the surprise in approach allowed a slow dribbler to roll into the net. 

Monica Bird was close to extending the lead herself in the 15th minute. She hit a rocket just wide of the goal. It ricocheted off a President high into the air. Aurilio timed the descent and scorched a ball just under the crossbar for Bethany's second goal of the game. 

Bethany's offense didn't let up, continuing to put pressure on W&J deep in scoring territory. The Bison were able to force two corners in the 22nd minute, converting the second attempt to a goal. Aurilio served a corner inside the box. It was a great ball, with Ava Lee arguably having an opportunity to score. Instead, Lee chose to push the ball to primary scorer Bird at a better angle. Bird turned her shot into the Bison's third goal of the game before the half hour mark. 

The Bison locked down defense for the rest of the game, cruising to a 3-0 shutout victory. 

Bethany (7-5-3) will host Westminster (7-5-1), who is undefeated in the conference, Saturday at 3:30 p.m. The game will have playoff implications for the Bison, who are close to clinching a spot in the postseason bracket.