Oct. 3, 2008

Final Stats

Cullowhee, N.C. - Western Carolina women's soccer, behind Shanna Schmoker's third goal of the season, defeated Wofford, 1-0, on Friday night. Western Carolina improves to 6-5 overall, 3-0 in SoCon play, while Wofford drops to 1-7-3 overall and 1-1 in SoCon play.

The Catamounts have won three straight conference games including four straight shut outs for Western Carolina's defense. Not to mention that the Catamounts haven't allowed a goal in 360:00 minutes of action thanks to their defense and sophomore goalie Caitlin Williams.

"The back four on defense have been growing and gelling together," said Head Coach Tammy DeCesare. "Caitlin is very confident right now and it's because of her defensive back line."

After some great opportunities, the Catamounts scored at the 85:43 minute mark in the contest, when Shanna Schmoker got a pass off the corner kick from teammate Arlan Whittle and beat the Terrier's goalie Katie McChesney into the back of the net giving the Catamounts a 1-0 lead. Schmoker settled the pass from Whittle and made a tremendous effort to beat the Terriers keeper right over her head, giving Schmoker her third goal of the season.

Catamounts goalie Williams finished the game with four saves and recorded her fourth shutout in a row.

The Catamounts came right out of the box attacking, feeding off the homecoming crowd, when three minutes into the contest Arlan Whittle had a shot on goal but Terriers goal keeper McChesney came up with the save. Western Carolina wasn't done, at the nine- minute mark, junior Nikki Collins had two great opportunities when her shot on goal was saved by Terriers keeper McChesney. A minute later Collins had another chance but was blocked by the Terrier's defense, finishing the game with five shots including three that went on goal.

Western Carolina wrapped up the first half with a season-best 11 shots and attacked the Terriers from start to finish.

"It was the best first half for us this season," DeCesare said. "We generated a plethora of chances but give credit to the Terrier's goalie for making some tremendous saves."

Wofford had an opportunity in the second half when at the 65:00 mark Terrier's forward Monica Ploetzke had her shot attempt go wide after a two on none against Catamounts keeper Williams.

Western Carolina finished the contest with a season-high 19 shots holding the Terriers to just five. The Catamounts also improve their record to 4-0 against the state of South Carolina this season.

Western Carolina continues their homecoming celebration with the Catamounts honoring the 10-year anniversary team at halftime against the Furman Paladins on Sunday starting at 2 p.m.