Oct. 9, 2003

Final Stats

Cullowhee, N.C. - The Western Carolina soccer team took the early lead in the match, but fell behind before the first half ended as the Catamounts dropped a 2-1 decision to East Tennessee State Thursday evening at Schrader Field. WCU falls to 4-6-2 on the season with the loss (1-3-0 SoCon), while the Bucs improve to 9-2-0 (4-1-0).

The Cats got on the board first in the match as Jordan Howell scored her second goal of the season in the 18th minute. Casey Davis dished the ball to Howell who drew ETSU keeper Heather Sanden out of the net. Once Sanden committed, Howell chipped the ball past her and sent it into the goal from the far left side of the box.

Nearly half a period later, the Bucs answered Western's offensive effort with a goal of their own by Erin Ashton, her sixth of the season. Ashton's goal at 35:00 was unassisted.

Just over four minutes had passed before ETSU put the ball in the net again. This time Ashton outran the Catamount defenders, got WCU keeper Tina Weaver to commit, then launched the ball over Weaver's outstretched arms to sneak it in the top of the net. Ashton's second unassisted goal of the game proved to be the game-winner for the Buccaneers.

Both teams kept up the offensive intensity throughout the game with Western posting 27 shots and ETSU recording 19, but neither was able to score in the second half as the match ended at 2-1. Weaver scooped up 10 saves on the night, bringing her total to 82 for the season, as the team additionally picked up one. Sanden had 14 saves for the Bucs, while the team notched five as well.

The Catamounts return to the pitch Sunday, Oct. 12, at Wofford. Match time against the Terriers is set for 2 pm.