PETERSBURG, Va. (Nov. 3, 2026) – The Virginia State University women's soccer team closed out its 2026 home schedule in impressive fashion Tuesday afternoon, earning a 5-2 victory over Shaw University at home.
The Trojans (10-3-3, 1-0-0 CIAA) featured a balanced offensive attack, with Morgan Parris and Loryn Sturgis each recording two goals to lead the way. Erica Mathews added a goal and an assist as Virginia State finished with 13 shots, including 11 on goal.
Virginia State wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Parris opened the scoring in the eighth minute, giving the Trojans an early 1-0 advantage. Sturgis extended the lead in the 30th minute, finding the back of the net to put Virginia State ahead 2-0.
Shaw responded in the 34th minute with a goal from Zhana Gnewuch, cutting the deficit to 2-1 heading into halftime.
The Trojans came out of the break with renewed energy and quickly regained control. Parris scored her second goal of the afternoon in the 52nd minute, pushing the Virginia State advantage to 3-1.
Just four minutes later, Sturgis added her second goal of the contest, converting an assist from Jada Savage to extend the lead to 4-1.
Virginia State continued to apply pressure, and Mathews found the back of the net in the 69th minute off an assist from Parris, giving the Trojans a commanding 5-1 advantage.
Shaw added a late goal in the 75th minute, but Virginia State maintained control the rest of the way to secure the 5-2 victory.
Parris finished with two goals and an assist, while Sturgis recorded two goals. Mathews contributed a goal and an assist, and Savage added an assist to round out the Trojans' offensive production.
Virginia State also controlled the statistical battle, outshooting Shaw 13-3 and holding an 8-1 advantage in corner kicks. Goalkeeper Ava Patterson recorded one save during her time in goal, while Emma Cajchun also saw action in the second half.
