The Importance of the Grit Chain

Friday, October 8

Greensboro, N.C.

7:00 PM

Mercer University

5-4-3, 2-1-2

UNCG

2-4-6, 1-1-2

Mercer

UNC Greensboro

Kylie Buchanan

10/8/2021 11:33:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Grit Chain

By: Jake List

GREENSBORO, N.C. – After playing through two overtimes, it was freshman Lana Whitfield who tied the game 1-1 in the 68^th minute. It was that goal that earned Mercer their 1 point on the night against UNCG in the 5th conference game for the Bears.

BEARS MATCH INFO
Date & Time: Friday, October 8, 2021 | 7 p.m.
Teams: Mercer Bears at UNCG Spartans
Location: Greensboro, N.C. | UNC-Greensboro Soccer Stadium
Twitter Updates: @MercerWSoccer

"We have the grit chain for a reason." "We have such a tough squad that's willing to leave it all out on the pitch, we just need to be better at obtaining the necessary clinical instinct in the opposition's 18." "We've come a long way since the beginning of the season, and we are better at creating more opportune chances for ourselves. Nevertheless, we must capitalize in order to continue our success" stated head coach Tony Economopoulos. "UNCG is a tough team and I commend my girls on staying composed and keeping a level head, we just need to remember to play our game and I know that will lead to positive results." "We earned our point, and we move forward to VMI on Sunday."

The Bears created limited shots in the first half, but they were all good looks. Jordan Lynn was able to get a great shot off, however, it hit the top of the crossbar. Pace Stephenson was able to mimic that action towards the end of the match in the 86^th minute of the second half. The Orange & Black were also led by both Ciara Whitely and Kylie Buchanan throughout the match when it came to overlapping runs and crosses in the box. Keelin Pray added to those efforts by helping the team earn their total of seventeen shots on the day. In doing so, Mercer applied constant pressure on the UNCG keeper, Aiyanah Tyler-Cooper.

The Spartans, when on their attack, had some smart chances as well. They stroke first, with an attack, finished by Caroline Woods in the 62^nd minute. UNCG enjoys playing a physical game and can run with anybody in the conference, which really tested the Bears. UNCG is also very tactical and that allows for their gameplay to switch its speed many times throughout the match. In the end, both teams fought hard and walked away with a point on the night.

With both teams playing physical, Mercer acquired a singular yellow card while UTC received two of their own.

Notables:

The Bears drew fouls early in the match which slowed down the pace of UNCG.
Ciara Whitely earned the Grit Chain of the day.
Ally Fordham led the team with 3 shots on goal.
Mercer moves to 5-4-3 overall, 2-1-2 in the SoCon.

Up Next
The Bears will play Sunday the 10^th when they visit VMI at 1 p.m.

FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of Mercer Women's Soccer, please follow the Bears on social media at@MercerWSoccer(Twitter),/MercerWSoccer(Facebook) and@MercerWSoccer(Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com