SWANNANOA, N.C. – For just the third time in program history and first time since the 2014 campaign, the Salem soccer team opened its season with a shutout victory when the Spirits triumphed 9-0 over Warren Wilson on Wednesday, September 1 in Swannanoa, N.C. Senior Ellie Montes, who recorded her first career hat trick, along with teammates Baylee Greenwood and Alyson Gammons, who finished with two goals apiece, were the juggernauts in the Salem offensive attack.
Montes became the 12th different Spirit to record a hat trick in program history and first since Jae Laeman, who drove home three goals in a victory over Mary Baldwin on October 26, 2019. Greenwood also established a single-game career-high in goals after scoring one in each half for Salem. Gammons, who also netted one goal in each half for the Spirits, was taking part in the first match of her Salem career.
Salem also received on goal each from Layla Locklear, who scored in a five-goal second half, and Mikalynne Shell. Shell provided Salem with a 4-0 lead at the intermission, scoring the final goal of the half. Locklear's first collegiate goal came by virtue of a penalty kick in the frame.
The shutout victory allowed head coach Robin Ramirez to join Jay Callahan as the only two coaches in program history to open their careers with a win. Callahan claimed his first victory in 5-1 fashion at Hollins on August 30, 2008. Ramirez also became the first coach since Callahan to open a season with a shutout. Callahan opened both the 2013 season (3-0 vs. N.C. Wesleyan) and 2014 season (12-0 at Washington Adventist) with a shutout victory.
Sophomore Alexcina Wartski, who picked up the win in net for Salem, finished with five saves in the first half. Teammate Jordan Tomberlin came on to make three saves for the Spirits, who limited Warren Wilson to 10 shots in the contest.
Salem returns home for a pair of against Agnes Scott and Guilford this weekend. The Spirits will host fellow USA South Conference member Agnes Scott on Saturday at 4 p.m. and follow that by squaring off against the Quakers on Sunday at 2 p.m. For more information on Salem soccer check out www.salemspirits.com.