McManus propels UNCP

By Brad Crawford
Sports Editor

Behind a rare hat trick from midfielder Alex McManus and a stingy UNCP defense that allowed only four shots on goal, the Lady Braves snapped a three game winless streak September 26 with an 8-0 victory over visiting Mount Olive.
McManus’ three goals marked the first time in three seasons a Lady Brave registered a hat trick.
Yasmen Sunbul accomplished the same feat for UNCP in a Sept. 2004, 6-0 triumph at Coker.
McManus notched her second and third goal of the season within the first three minutes of play putting Mount Olive in an early two goal deficit.
Her final goal in the second half gave her three for the game putting UNCP up 8-0.
The Lady Trojans never recovered from a 4-0 halftime deficit as UNCP senior Lefke Boysen scored her seventh goal of the season with a header during the 65th minute helping UNCP grasp a commanding 6-0 lead.
UNCP (6-2-1, 0-2-1 Peach Belt) head coach Lars Andersson thought the first half of play was the best his team has played all season and looks for much of the same against the Lady Braves next opponent, Clayton State.
“Our ladies played outstanding tonight in the first half and, hopefully, that will carry over next game,” Andersson said. “I was very pleased with our effort and it displays how well we played this past week in practice.”
Forward Jamie Clarke added a goal and an assist for UNCP as the Lady Braves’outshot Mount Olive an astounding 33-2. Clarke said coach Andersson’s motivational pregame speech was just what the Lady Braves needed to be victorious.
“Coach Andersson told our team the only thing he wanted us to do tonight was win,” Clarke said. “He didn’t care about a loss or a tie. All he wanted was a win.”
UNCP’s Whitney Beverly stopped four shots in limited action behind the net. Beverly’s shutout was her fourth this season.

Scoring Summary

Goals
McManus, Alex 2:50
McManus, Alex 3:48
Lefke, Boysen 17:19
Corbett, Faye 24:30
Clarke, Jamie 54:02
McManus, Ashley 65:46
McManus, Alex 76:57
Greaves, Brittany 81:54

Assists
Boysen 2, Clarke 2, Anna Wommack 2, Meredith Pierson, Karmi Dagnachew.