Women’s soccer team beats USC-Aiken,
then falls to Kennesaw State

By Melina Savage and Brandon Barber
Staff Writers

Running out onto the soccer field with great intensity, the Lady Braves women's soccer team sure knows exactly what it takes to have a winning season.

On Oct. 2, the Braves took on Peach Belt competition with a double header against, the University of South Carolina at Aiken Lady Pacers, at home on the Irwin Belk Athletic Complex on October 2nd, 2004. The Braves turned their eight game winning streak into a nine game winning streak, defeating the Lady Pacers 2-0.

The Lady Braves defense played a key role, only allowing the Pacers three shots to the goal. UNCP also out shot the Pacers 24-3 throughout the whole game.

Junior Erin Rowley came off the bench with approximately 30 minutes left in the first half, scoring a quick goal assisted by sophomore Kelly Jones. The first goal of the game had the crowd roaring, giving the lady braves a boost of energy.

During the second half of the game, the USCA Lady Pacers became quite feisty with the Lady Braves.

Yellow cards were issued to players on both teams. The altercation occurred between UNCP’s Jamie Clarke and USCA’s Natasha DaCosta. They were yellow carded with 29:02 remaining in the game.

The issuing of the yellow cards did not hinder the Braves from keeping a winning mentality. Junior Katie Stokes scored an unassisted goal in the second half, leaving the Pacers 1-6-2 and sealing the victory for UNCP.

Head Coach Lars Andersson was very pleased with the Braves’ eighth victory of the season. “Any win in the tough Peach Belt Conference is a big win,” Andersson said.

Going into a 10 game winning streak at the Irwin Belk Athletic Complex on Oct. 9, the Lady Braves took not only their first home game loss but also their first loss of the 2004-2005 season. They lost against the defending Division II national champions, Kennesaw State University. KSU recently moved up a notch to compete on the Division I level. The Lady Owls of KSU led the overall series 3-0, winning the last meeting in 2003 1-5.

The Lady Braves came out energized and ready to play. Approximately two minutes into the first half, senior captain Crystal Lanoza went out with a knee injury. Leadership was still led on the field by Senior Simonae Taylor.

“We are at the heart of the season. We have had unfortunate injuries,” junior Jackie Bower commented.

Both teams were playing a tremendous amount of defense. Sophomore Hillary Helms had two defensive stops in the first half. The first half was scoreless until Kennesaw State's Annie Phillips scored a goal with 22 seconds left in the first half.

Bower also stated, “People are playing unfamiliar positions, but the team still gave it there all.”

The Braves possessed a great amount of competitiveness. One could tell by the emotions and the facial expressions they showed on the field.

The Lady Braves jumped into the second half ready to come back. However, Rebecca Hall sealed the win for KSU scoring the final goal in the second half with 7:22 remaining in the 2nd half.

Helms finished the game with six defensive stops, but that was not enough to stop the Owls from gaining the victory.

UNCP still remains undefeated in Division II action and 9-1-1 on the season.