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Hammond, White Pace Wildcats
Regular Season Winning Streak Increases to 23 Games

Kelly Hammond struck for two goals and Kacey White contributed two assists as the New Jersey Wildcats easily handled the South Jersey Banshees 4-0 in W-League action at Winslow High School. Hammond connected once in each half while White assisted on two first-half goals to increase her W-League leading total to nine for the season.

The Wildcats held a 19-3 advantage in shots in the the game and could have added to their goal total had White and Hammond not struck two shots each off the crossbar. Becky Wachsberger and Alissa Kacar - both making their season debuts in goal - combined on the shutout as the Wildcats increased their streak of holding the W-League opposition scoreless to 419 minutes. With the win, the Wildcats improve to 9-0 for the season while notching their 23rd straight regular season win.

White started the action early when she banged a shot off the crossbar just two minutes in. She also set up Hammond for a great chance in the 10th minute, but her point-blank shot was deflected wide by Banshees keeper Vicki McDermott. White also hit the bar once again in the 21st minute.

New Jersey finally broke through in the 26th minute off a great effort from White, who stole the ball along the right sideline. The University of North Carolina star carried the ball along the endline before rolling a pass across the front of the goal to Hammond, who tucked a shot inside the left post to open the scoring.

White helped add to the score in the 37th minute on an equally fine cross from the left. This one floated in front of the goal to Lisa Grubb and she headed it just under the crossbar from six yards out for the 2-0 lead.

The Wildcats started quick in the second half with halftime substitute Domenique Esposito striking in the 54th minute. Kate Sands helped create the goal as she took a long ball out of the air from Hammond at the top of the box. The ball ended up in front of Esposito, whose first shot was blocked but Sands poked the ball back to Esposito for her to finish into the upper left corner.

Hammond capped the scoring on a fine individual effort three minutes later. The Wildcats midfielder intercepted a poor Banshees clearance, slipped past a defender into the box, and beat McDermott to the lower right corner for the 4-0 lead.

Hammond had two more great chances to add to the lead but both ended up bouncing off the crossbar. Her free kick opportunity from the top of the box in the 60th minute and her 35-yard blast in the 72nd minute both found the frame and stayed out.

The Wildcats return to action this Wednesday when they host the Long Island Lady Riders in a midweek tilt. The Lady Riders will visit Mercer County Community College for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.