Sept. 15, 2006

Final Stats

Cullowhee, N.C. - On the strength of senior Heather Dittmer's goal 11:40 into the contest, Western Carolina opened its 2006 Southern Conference portion of the schedule with a 1-0 victory over Wofford, who was playing its first league match as well, Friday night at the Catamount Athletic Complex. The Catamounts improve to 3-4-0, 1-0 in the SoCon, while the Terriers dropped to 1-3-2, 0-1 SoCon.

Not only did Western open league play with a win, but it came versus a team which has given the Catamounts trouble in the past. Prior to tonight, the Terriers owned a 6-3 record all-time versus WCU, including a 1-0 win over the Cats last season in Spartanburg. However, Western improved its record to 3-1 versus Wofford at home and improved to 8-3 in home matches since opening the Catamount Athletic Complex last season.

Western, who dominated play early, took advantage of its first corner kick when Arlan Whittle's ball made its way through the traffic in front of the net and found an open Dittmer on the left side of the goal's mouth. Dittmer settled the ball and placed in the lower left corner for her second goal of the season. For Whittle, it marked her second assist on the young season.

Western continued to own possession most of the night, taking 11 shots with Wofford managing just four on the evening. In addition to Dittmer's four shots, Shanna Schmoker had two shots with four other Catamounts each adding one. The Terriers, who went at a frantic pace late, pushed most of its players up and had more time of possession over the last 10 minutes.

Catamount freshman Kelly Gulledge saw her first action of the season, getting the win and playing all 90 minutes in goal. She was credited with three saves. For the Terriers, Austin Somers tallied three saves as well.

"I was pleased with the result and our first 15 minutes of play," said second year Western Carolina head coach Tammy DeCesare. "I was a bit disappointed that we let out level of play drop a bit after that. For a freshman goalkeeper seeing her first game action, I thought Kelly (Gulledge) did well in her debut. I am extremely happy to get our first SoCon win, especially over a team that beat us last season. As I said earlier, I am disappointed that we have not learned how to have the drive to dominate a team both on the field and on the scoreboard."

Western Carolina will return to action this Sunday (Sept. 17) hosting Gardner-Webb in the second of two games as part of Parents' Weekend. The match is set to begin at 2:00 pm.