With a win assuring them of at least one home playoff game, the Lancaster Bible College women's soccer team left little doubt as to how much hosting a playoff game means. Controlling every part of the game, the Chargers crushed Valley Forge Christian, 4-0 on Wednesday at Charger Field.

Four different players scored for LBC in the win. Becka Hixson opened the scoring just 3:50 into the game, heading the ball past Patriots' goalkeeper Akinna Boykin. Just seven minutes before halftime, Marianna Bewersdorff scored her first collegiate goal to double the Chargers' lead to 2-0. Hannah Reichard and Kristina Clairmont scored late goals for LBC to seal the win. Ally Brown and Whitney Heise both had two assists.

Despite scoring four goals in a game for the sixth time in seven games, it was the defensive play that LBC Head Coach Ken Craul was most happy about.

"Our back four defenders have been playing well as a unit the past several games," Craul said. "They understand what their roles are and are supporting each other very well."

Though they held a lead at halftime, the Chargers did not play all that well. They picked up the pace in the secnod half, out shooting the Patriots, 22-0 in the final 45 minutes.

"We played very well in the second half, espcially closing down on their players everytime they had the ball on their feet," Craul said. "We ended up having extended possession of the ball in our offensive end and took advantage of that with two goals."

With their record at 8-4, LBC is primed to end the regular season on a positive note heading into the playoffs.

"It is great to see the improvement of individual players and the team as a whole as our season progresses," Craul said.

LBC won on Wednesday despite missing two of their starters due to injury. Danielle Musselman continues to work back from an injured knee and Karyn Harkness missed Wednesday's game due to a concussion. Musselman hopes to be back for the playoffs, while there is no timetable for Harkness' return.

The Chargers have the rest of the week off before playing Ramapo on Monday in Mahwah, N.J. at 4:00 p.m.

Notes:
-LBC out shot Valley Forge Christian, 27-0, and held a 6-0 advantage in corner kicks.

-LBC goalkeeper Emily Lloyd earned her second straight shutout and fourth of the season.