NC State's women's soccer squad turned a chilly Thursday night at Dail Soccer Stadium into a showcase of offensive firepower, downing Charlotte 4-1 and kicking off the season with a perfect three‑match streak.
A fresh wave of talent
The scoring opened early when freshman Katie Richter slipped a well‑timed pass from Emily Wong into the net in the 11th minute, marking her first collegiate goal. Just six minutes later Yuna Aoki, already a name familiar to fans, doubled the lead with a strike assisted by Daisy Duda.
The momentum carried into the second half, where Fien Leijdekker added a third goal before the break, and the attacking trio of Antonella Mazziotto and Mana Nakata combined to set up the play that led to it.
Carly Montgomery’s first assist of the season helped Aoki find the back of the net again, while Madison Casteen sealed the victory with her debut goal in the 88th minute, capping a night that saw nine different players get on the scoresheet.
Head coach Gary Higgins celebrated his eighth win since taking the reins, a milestone that also marked his 118th career coaching victory, while the team’s shot advantage and goal total underscored a balanced attack that could define the season.