Aug. 24, 2008

Final Stats |   

Raleigh, N.C. - North Carolina State broke open a scoreless affair inside the opening minute of the second half, downing Western Carolina, 2-0, Sunday afternoon at the N.C. State Soccer Stadium.

Knotted at zero through the opening 45 minutes, the Wolfpack started the second half quickly, scoring a mere 32 seconds after intermission. NCSU freshman Paige Dugal beat Catamount keeper, Caitlin Williams one-on-one after receiving a through ball from teammate, Kara Baldy, for what proved to be the game-winner. Dugal buried a shot into the lower right corner of the goal for her first collegiate tally, giving NC State the 1-0 lead.

The Wolfpack added an insurance goal late from sophomore Nadia Aboulhosn, who dribbled twice and scored on a 15 yarder that sailed into the upper right corner past Williams for the 2-0 score.

The Catamounts nearly got one back in the 85th minute when junior Shannon Fowkes blasted a point-blank shot on net. However, Wolfpack keeper Kim Kern made her best save of the weekend to preserve the shutout.

The first half of play was very competitive with the Catamounts getting some chances early when a shot by junior Bri Cunningham went high. Williams kept the Catamounts in the match with her stellar play in net. Williams came up with five saves in the first half to keep the game tied at zero.

"Caitlin (Williams) came up big for us in the first half keeping the match close and we needed that kind of effort," said head coach Tammy DeCesare. "We did not find our rhythm until 25 minutes into the second half but I felt we had some quality chances late."

Williams finished with 10 saves in the loss.

The Catamounts were out shot 17-8 in the contest, with all three of WCU's second half offerings coming late. Junior Nikki Collins led the way with two shots, both of which were on goal, for WCU.

Western Carolina women's soccer will have just over a week to get ready for its home opener against the Butler Bulldogs on September 5 at the Catamount Athletic Complex. DeCesare plans on utilizing the extra time between matches to concentrate on playing a full match.

"We just need to keep the intensity up for 90 minutes and compete as hard as we can," said DeCesare.

The home opener is scheduled for Noon kickoff as WCU celebrates "Education Day."