(Manhattan, NY) On Friday night under the lights of Pier 40, the Nassau Lions took on the Borough of Manhattan Community College Blue Panthers. Nassau was coming off of a 4 game win streak, but the Blue Panthers were a force to be reckoned with after their last few games. It was 68 degrees with a slight fall chill in the air and cloudy, which really set the mood of the game.

Both teams came out aggressively fighting for every ball. Nassau gained possession in BMCC territory. They brought the ball forward strategically into the box where there was a handball. Kayla Murphy stepped in to take the penalty kick. She just missed the goal, but followed up getting the rebound from her shot and launched the ball into the net - scoring NCC's first goal of the game!

This goal really gave the Lions a confidence boost, and set the tone for the rest of the game. It wasn't long after the first goal when Murphy took a free kick, placed it perfectly in the box where Maya Jones was waiting. Jones has a perfect header into the back of the goal making it NCC 2, BMCC 0.

It was a continuous battle as BMCC tried to catch up, but the Lions were on fire. Jones brought the ball just over the Blue Panthers half, and lobbed it to Diana Lemus. Lemus sent the ball soaring and tallied NCC's third goal of the night to close out the half. 

BMCC came out with a renewed energy, and the Lions were ready. Hannah Woodward drove the ball down the line looking for the goal, but was fouled just outside the 18. Murphy took the free kick, and effortlessly found the net. Murphy was all over the action, and scored the Lions next 2 goals within a matter of minutes. 6-0, Nassau.

The Blue Panthers were frustrated, and desperate for a goal. They gained possession and finally scored off a cross, putting them on the board. Murphy had an answer for that though. She floated over the field, dodging defenders, and breathing down on the goalie. She found the back of the net two more times before the game was over giving herself a total of 6 goals for the game. 

With only a minute left to play, BMCC drove the ball down the field, and scored their second goal of the game. Thus bringing the final score 7-2, Nassau. 

"The women have really found their stride these past few games." stated Assistant Coach Kristen Mongelluzzo post-game. "Kayla Murphy really stepped up today, and proved what type of leader she is. We are so proud of Kayla, and all the women for this amazing win."

The Lions will be looking for their 6th win in a row as they take on the Fashion Institute Tigers for the second time this season on Sunday, October 1st.