Box Score Box Score
ROCK HILL, SC – The Winthrop women's soccer picked up its first home victory of the 2009 season after defeating the Francis Marion Patriots 2-0 under rainy skies on Friday evening at Eagle Field.
The Lady Eagles improve to 3-4-1 on the season, while the Patriots fall to 1-9-1.
“It was a long night,” said head coach Melissa Heinz. “I'm proud of the girls and appreciate them working hard.”
Winthrop jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute on sophomore Rachel Webster's first goal of the season on a free kick. Senior Stevie Lucas took the free kick from 30-yards out, and the wet field conditions prevented Francis Marion goalkeeper Emily Brandenburg from fielding the ball cleanly. Webster was there to gain possession of the ball inside the goal box and put it into the empty net.
The Lady Eagles held an 8-3 advantage in shots during the first half, while the Patriots took five corner kicks and Winthrop had four.
The end of the first half was delayed for nearly an hour due to lightning near the soccer field.
Winthrop would pick back up and add to its lead at 2-0 in the 72nd minute on an unassisted goal by Tricia Vensel. It was her second goal of the season. Vensel received ball in the middle of the Francis Marion side of the field on a long crossing pass by freshman Allie VandeWater, took it in unchallenged, and placed her shot past Brandenburg in the bottom left corner of the goal.
“It was good to have Tricia back tonight,” Heinz added.
Sophomore Tiana Tallant had a team-high three shots on the evening, and was one of three Lady Eagles with two shots on-goal. Sophomore goalkeeper Kelsy Weavil finished the match with two saves and earned her third shutout of the season.
Angela Salem led the Patriots with a total of four shots, while Brandenburg had eight saves.
Winthrop would conclude the match with 13 shots and six corner kicks, and Francis Marion had eight shots to go along with five corner kicks.
“We have to move on and get one more win and try to head in conference play feeling strong and confident,” said Heinz.
The Lady Eagles will be back in action on Wednesday, Sept. 30 as they play host to the South Carolina State Bulldogs at 7 p.m. at Eagle Field.
