Oct. 23, 2009

Box Score

Greenville, S.C. - A pair of first half goals helped the Western Carolina women's soccer team shutout the Furman Lady Paladins 2-0 at Eugene Stone III Soccer Stadium on Friday evening.

The Catamounts (6-6-5, 3-3-3 SoCon) came out firing in the first half, adding a season-high two goals in the first frame. The win was the Catamount's second consecutive over Furman (10-6-0, 4-5-0 SoCon) and their first Southern Conference victory since a 1-0 shutout over Georgia Southern on Sept. 27.

"I think electric is a good way to describe tonight's win," said Western Carolina coach Tammy DeCesare. "They were full of energy. They came out and played much like the team that we are accustomed to seeing. I think they showed they can beat anyone in this conference when they set their minds to things they know how to do well."

Nikki Collins' first shot ricocheted off of Furman goalkeeper Jessica Smith before senior forward Shanna Schmoker buried a rebound off the right post for her second goal of the season during the 8th minute. The assist was Collins second of the season while the goal was Schmoker's 10th of her four-year career.

The Catamounts added a 2-0 advantage at the 23rd minute in the half after senior forward Rachael Shomper put the ball in the net from 20 yards out with a cross from defender Jenny Matteson. The goal was Shomper's team-leading fourth of the season and the 11th of her career. For Matteson, the assist was her first of the season.

Western Carolina outshot the Lady Paladins, 10-5, in the initial period. The pair of first half goals snapped a four-match scoreless streak that began against UNC Greensboro on Oct. 8.

Coach Tammy DeCesare said she was pleased with the offensive aggressiveness displayed by the Catamounts, "It's something that has been missing. We changed up a few things in practice and we got them excited about going for a goal. They transferred that into the field. They played a lot more cautious these last few weeks. Tonight, they played with carefree abandon and it paid off."

Furman had several opportunities to put some points on the board, but were deferred away by the stingy Catamount defense.

Goalkeeper Caitlin Williams notched her eighth shutout of the year, tying her season career high of eight which was set in 2008. Williams (6-6-4) inked her 22nd career shutout as she recorded four saves in the victory.

WCU controlled the shot category, 12-11, while leading in corner kicks taken, 2-0.

The Catamounts will resume their two-game road trip at Wofford on Sunday afternoon. The match will kick off at 2:00 p.m.