THOMASVILLE, Ga. — Thomas University netted one goal in the first half and added two more in the second period to defeat Webber International, 3-0, Wednesday afternoon at the TU Soccer Complex.

Thomas improves to 5-4 overall and begins The Sun Conference with a 1-0 record. Webber International falls to 3-1-1 (0-1).

“Overall this was a solid team effort to start off conference play with a win,” said Head Coach Julie Orlowski. “Now we start the recovery process before making a trip down to FMU for Saturday’s match.”

TU took 22 shots, 12 on goal, to WIU’s seven overall and four on goal. Goalkeeper Lucy Apps made four saves in 90 minutes in net for the Night Hawks.

Thomas’ first goal was a through ball from Jen Clyde into the path of Jahziah Samuels-Williams, who beat the keeper in a 1v1 with a quality finish.

“Jaz continues to come off the bench and give us a spark,” said Orlowski. 

Thomas came out firing in the second half, connecting on its second goal just two minutes into the period.

“We spoke at halftime about the spaces we wanted to exploit early to keep the pressure on their back line,” said Orlowski. “That pressure created a loose ball that JP [Jana Pastorek] collected and tucked in far post side netting.”

Alisha Clayton scored TU’s third goal, a rebound finish after Hadas Prawer drilled the crossbar off a volley.

“I’m so excited to have A.L. get her first goal,” said Orlwoski. “She has been working hard in training so it is great to see it lead to a goal in today’s match.”

TU will be on the road for three straight matches, beginning with Florida Memorial in Miami Gardens, Fla., Sept. 28, then St. Thomas on Oct. 5 in Miami Gardens, Fla., and SCAD-Savannah Oct. 9.