LADY SAINTS SOCCER EDGED BY MARS HILL

MARS HILL, N.C.-- The Lady Saints soccer team suffered its first defeat of the season to Mars Hill on Friday night at Meares Stadium, 1-0. Limestone falls to 1-1-2 while the Lions improve to 2-1-1.

The Lady Saints and Lions played a grueling match, with 12 fouls being handed out to Limestone and 15 going to the hosts. Cautions were issued to Amanda Lear and Alexis Brothers while Lauren McKeever received a red card. Two cautions were given to Mars Hill players.

“I’m really proud of the way my girls left the field with class after such a tough, physical match,” stated head coach Benji Walton.

Both teams had equal scoring chances in the first half as each had three shots. Limestone’s Alexis Brothers (Charleston, S.C.) had a great scoring chance on a breakaway earned in the period but just missed the net when the shot hit the post. However, Mars Hill's Jasmine Riley scored the first goal of the match on a breakaway in the 23rd minute. Tabatha Woodson picked up the assist. Lady Saint goalkeeper Liz Eichhorn (Fort Collins, Colo.) had two saves and the hosts' Claudia Cada had three.

“We came out sluggish in the first half,” said Walton. “But, I’m really pleased of the way we played in the second. It was probably the best 45 minutes of soccer we’ve played all year.”

Limestone had five shots to MHC's four in the second half. Neither team could finish as each squad's keeper recorded six saves.

“Alexis Brothers, Liz Eichhorn and our defense had an outstanding game,” Walton commented. “I’m extremely pleased that Bekki Hagarman stepped up as an outside defender to give us a solid game.”

Over the course of the game, the Lions had three offsides compared to Limestone's one, and MHC had four corner kick opportunities and allowed the visitors none.

“We definitely had our chances,” Walton added. “We’ve just got to find a way to finish.”

Limestone will play in the SAC/CVAC Challenge on Sunday in Hickory, N.C. as planned. Limestone will play Lenoir-Rhyne at 5 p.m.

-LIMESTONE-