Stetson Spoils Florida Atlantic's Soccer Opener
Owls drop 2-0 decision to Hatters
Final Stats |  Action Photos 
Aug. 23, 2009

BOCA RATON, FL - Two first half goals allowed Stetson University a rare victory in Boca Raton, beating Florida Atlantic University 2-0 Sunday in the Owls' 2009 women's soccer season opener.

Tessa Gavilsky - the 2008 Atlantic Sun Conference "Player of the Year" - scored in the 16th minute and assisted in Katie Bitetto's goal moments later, allowing the Hatters a two-goal advantage at halftime.

Stetson (1-1-0) posted its first win at Florida Atlantic since 1996. Prior to defeating the Owls last season in DeLand, the Hatters had never beaten the Owls since Brian Dooley took over as FAU head coach in 1999.

"In the history of this rivalry Brian (Dooley) has owned our program for years," Stetson Head Coach Julie Orlowski. "I think some of our younger players are oblivious to that but to have taken two straight is huge for us."

Ashley Mannarino just missed scoring in the early stages of the second half, pushing a ball wide of the net on an open breakaway. A terrific leaping save by freshman goalkeeper Ashley Lantes helped keep FAU within striking distance but the Owls were unable to capitalize on a number of chances to get back into the game.

"We need to be more aggressive. I thought we were timid," said Dooley. "We were playing against a team that was very well organized. Technically they held the ball better than we did. When you combine those things it makes it really tough to come back from a deficit."

FAU (0-1-0) had four corner kick opportunities in the second half. Mannarino and Poway, California native and true freshman Tamara Kesser combined for four of FAU's eight shots.

Stetson responded well to a disappointing 3-0 home loss to FIU in its opener.

"We had an advantage today because we had played on Friday," said Orlowski. "(FAU) had a lot of great plays but couldn't break through. I think some little things with their timing and rhythm weren't clicking today, but they are going to be a very tough team to deal with. I glad we got them when we did."

The Owls will try to rebound next weekend. Up next is a Friday night match at USF in Tampa, followed by a home game with Ball State University Sunday, August 30 at 12 noon.