NORTON, Mass. – Sophomore forward Camila Leiva (Warwick, R.I.) netted a pair of goals to lead the Wheaton College (Mass.) women's soccer team over visiting Worcester State University, 4-0, this afternoon at Mirrione Field on the Wheaton campus in Norton, Mass.
The Lyons improve to 1-0-0 in their season opener, while the Lancers slip to 0-1-0 in their first contest of 2026.
Wheaton held a 22-14 shot advantage, including 15-9 in the second half, but just an 11-10 edge in shots on frame for the afternoon. The teams were even with three corner kicks apiece.
For Leiva, it marked the first time in her collegiate career that she notched multiple scores in a match.
Sophomore keeper Olivia King (Simsbury, Conn.) was outstanding in her first collegiate start for the Lyons, turning away all 10 shots she faced in net to record her first career shutout. Her save total was the highest in a shutout for a Wheaton goalie since Patricia Bandrup '26 stopped 11 shots in a 0-0 tie at Smith College on October 26, 2024.
Wheaton took an early 1-0 edge in just the sixth minute of the game. Leiva was taken down just inside the box and was awarded a penalty kick. She sent a low shot into the right side of the net for her first marker as a Lyon just 5:38 into the contest.
Wheaton added to its margin with only 5:18 remaining in the opening half when it took advantage of a set piece from the corner. Junior midfielder Paige Malowski (Vineyard Haven, Mass.) served the ball into the box, where it was knocked around before senior back Maya Thomas (Goffstown, N.H.) flew into the goalmouth with a header that found the back of the net for her first goal of the year and a 2-0 Lyon lead.
Wheaton increased its advantage to 3-0 in the 75th minute when sophomore back Kaydie O'Neil (Sturbridge, Mass.) sent a ball from the right side into the goalmouth. Junior midfielder Emma-Jane Parsons (Oakland, Maine) collected the loose ball in front of the net and deposited it into the back of the net for her first marker of the season with 15:16 showing on the second half clock.
The Lyons tacked on another goal with just 2:30 to go in the contest, courtesy of Leiva. Leiva took control of the ball on the right side, carried it across the box, before ripping a left-footed strike into the upper far right corner of the net in the 88th minute to make it 4-0 for the home team.
First year Elizabeth Shoucair (Berlin, Mass.) led Worcester State's offensive effort with six shots, including four on goal. Senior goalie Kylee Elliott (Dover, Del.) turned away six shots in net for the visitors.
Wheaton returns to the pitch on Friday, September 4 when it heads to nearby Bridgewater State University for a 7:00 p.m. match, while the Lancers host Wellesley College on September 6 at 2:00 p.m.
