COLLEGE D2 COLLEGE CLUB SOCCER HIGH SCHOOL ODP/ NATIONAL WOMENS SOCCER COMMITMENTS


  

 

            

Rollins Opens Season with 2-0 Shutout Over SCAD
Courtesy: Rollins Athletics
Release: 08/29/2009

 

SAVANNAH, Ga. (August 29, 2009) - The No. 10 Rollins women's soccer team kicked off their 2009 slate on a high note with a 2-0 shutout over NAIA institution Savannah College of Art and Design on Saturday evening in Savannah, Ga.  The victory in the Tars' first game of the season advances them to 1-0, while the SCAD kicks off their 2009 campaign at 0-1.

Junior midfielder Marie Sapper capitalized on a ball just outside the 18 to loft it over the head of SCAD goalkeeper Stephanie Foster in the 37th minute to put Rollins on the board in the first half.  The cushion allowed the Tars to play smart and clean the remainder of the game, and set up another lofty shot from beyond the 18 from Leah Hirsch to give Rollins their second goal of the match in the 63rd minute of play.

Solid performances from the defensive unit helped Rollins stifle the Bees throughout the majority of the contest.  The defensive duo of Meagan Thomas and Hirsch made a big impact from the back line, and played a large role in limiting the SCAD offense to just eight shots and one corner kick all game.

Sophomore goalkeeper Michelle Dillingham kicked off her sophomore campaign with six saves against the Bees, including a diving block in the final 30 seconds of play to earn her first shutout of the season.

A crafty midfield and swift offensive unit controlled the tempo throughout the match.  Sophomore Ashley Waplinger and junior Rachel Jakubowski led the Tars in shots as they fired off five and four, respectively, and with two shots each from Jessica Deese, Chelsea Brady, Sapper, and Hirsch, the Tars kept a continuous barrage of shots on hand throughout the entire contest. Rollins overwhelmed the stats as they led the shot count 18-8, overpowered in corners 11-1, and had the advantage in saves 6-3 thanks to Dillingham.

The No. 15 ranked NAIA Bees were headed-up by forward Melissa Feuerriegel, who fired away four shots and three shots on goal, including the final screamer that required Dillingham to make a diving block towards the right post.  Two goalkeepers saw time between the pipes as Stephanie Foster collected one save in the first half and freshman Sara Collins made two in the final 45 minutes of play.

The Tars return home for their next match, and prepare to take on Carthage College in their home opener.  Kickoff against Carthage is set for 5:00 p.m. at Barker Family Stadium and Cahall Sandspur Field.  Fans will be able to catch all of the action live on the Tars Sports Network at RollinsSports.com.