Cornell women’s soccer delivered its highest-scoring performance in 16 years Tuesday afternoon, getting goals from six different players in a 6-1 victory over Holy Cross at Berman Field. Sophomore forward Jessica Alessi led the attack with a goal and two assists as the Big Red improved to 5-5-2.
Cornell controlled the match throughout, outshooting the Crusaders 16-3 and putting 11 attempts on target. The six-goal performance was the program’s most since a 7-0 win over Delaware State on September 5, 2010, while the Big Red also recorded seven assists, tying for the second-highest total in program history.
The Big Red took command midway through the first half with two goals in just over two minutes. Brooke Brown opened the scoring in the 16th minute, finishing a cross from Alessi after Emily Gibbons initiated the play. Alanna Colbert doubled the lead in the 18th minute with a header set up by Andrea Wilson and Alessi.
Holy Cross cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 63rd minute, when Charlotte Hanchar headed home a cross from Carina Liberatore. Cornell responded quickly, with Alessi scoring on a rebound in the 67th minute before Gibbons added her team-leading fifth goal of the season five minutes later.
Freshman Sofía Menéndez extended the advantage to 5-1 in the 83rd minute, finishing from outside the penalty area. Hayes Wheeler then capped the scoring with a back-heel finish in the final second of regulation, recording her first collegiate goal and setting a program record for the latest goal scored in regulation.
Alessi became Cornell’s first player with multiple assists in a match since August 2023. Goalkeeper Naomi Glassberg also earned her first collegiate start, playing all 90 minutes and securing the victory.
Cornell continues its three-match homestand Saturday, October 17, against Princeton at Berman Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
