Mercer University
Charleston So.
Bears Pick Up 2-0 Shutout Over Charleston Southern
8/25/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Mercer women's soccer team wrapped up a weekend road trip in South Carolina in impressive fashion on Saturday, taking a 2-0 shutout victory over Charleston Southern.
Goals by sophomore Brianna Stampler and senior Danielle Hesse paced the Bears (2-1-1) in the team's second win of the season. The goals were the first of the season for each player and were a nice rebound for the team coming off a 2-0 loss against South Carolina on Thursday night.
Stampler's goal came in the 27th minute of the first half off a nice feed into the top of the box from junior Nadja Kolliesuah. Stampler beat Buccaneers goalkeeper Caitlin Cody and buried a shot on an empty net. The goal was Stampler's first of her career and she ended up leading the Bears with three shots in the game.
"It was a typical division I match on a Saturday," head coach Tony Economopoulos said. "I thought we played well and it was a group effort. A lot of players got some quality minutes and I thought we did what we needed to win."
"Being 2-1-1 is a fair record for us so far," Economopoulos said. "Today was a good win and we are happy where we are, but at the same time we have some work to do before we get into conference."
Mercer played a very controlled match on Saturday, picking their opportunities and offensively outworking Charleston Southern with 13-7 advantage in shots, including eight on goal. Ten different Mercer players recorded shots in the game and it was the fourth-straight game that the Bears have held a decisive advantage in corner kicks.
On Saturday, the Bears generated seven corners and on the season have drawn 32 corners while limiting opponents to just four.
"We have been dominate and getting good chances with our set pieces," he said. "We are not quite executing to equate those chances into goals but we are getting there."
Mercer's goal in the second half came off a set piece in Buccaneer territory. Sophomore Kristin Hagaman took the try from her defensive position and put a beauty of a cross on the Charleston Southern far post. Danielle Hesse positioned herself well and was able to get a head on the ball for the goal.
Freshman goalkeeper Maggie Cropp saw her first action of her career in receiving the start on Saturday. Cropp performed well in her debut, turning away four shots en route to her first win in goal.
"It was good experience for her as a freshman," Economopoulos said. "She was called upon today and she made the saves she needed to and got a good result."
The Bears return to Bear Field next Friday to take on Alabama A&M before heading back out on the road to take on Alabama in Tuscaloosa next Sunday.
