Albano hat trick sends RedStorm past Cleary

Rio Grande Sports Information
     RIO GRANDE, Ohio - With bright sunshine beating down on the playing surface at Evan E. Davis Field, there was no chance of the moon hitting anyone's eye like a big pizza pie.
     But who was it that led the University of Rio Grande's winning effort against Cleary (Mich.) University?
     Ahhh, that's Amora.
     Sophomore Amora Albano scored all three of her team's goals and helped the RedStorm snap a two-game losing streak with a 3-0 triumph over the visiting Cougars, Monday afternoon, in non-conference women's soccer action.
     Rio Grande, which had been shutout in both losses, pushed its season record to 3-2 with the win.
     Cleary slipped to 0-3-2 with the loss.
     Albano, a forward from Albany, Ohio, had the second most productive game of her collegiate career - topped only by a four-goal performance in an 8-0 win over Indiana University-Purdue University-Columbus on Oct. 14, 2023.
     Her first marker - a frozen rope from 30 yards out - came just 7:59 into the contest and gave Rio a 1-0 lead.
     Albano found the back of the net for the second time just over five minutes into the second half, tapping in a shot after a mad scramble in front of the net following a missed shot by senior teammate Amelia Willis (Waverly, OH).
     Albano's final goal, off an assist by Morgan Fannin, came with 7:51 remaining in the match.
     Rio Grande enjoyed a 9-6 edge in overall shots, a 6-2 advantage in shots on goal and a 4-3 cushion in corner kick chances.
     Senior net-minder Alba Vilades Marin (Barcelona, Spain) had two saves for the RedStorm.
     Bella Marsh started in goal for the Cougars and recorded three saves while allowing two goals.
     Beth Page worked the final 14:55 in net and allowed Rio's final goal.
     Rio Grande is set to return to action on Saturday when it travels to Mount Vernon Nazarene. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.