JEFFERSON CITY, Tennessee - Led by graduate student Ellie Crisler's two goals and a rock-solid defense, the Lee women's soccer team got off to a quick start and handed rival Carson-Newman University a 3-0 defeat on Saturday afternoon. It was the first win of the season for the Lady Flames who battled Lenoir-Rhyne to a 1-1 draw earlier in the week.
Lee will open the home season on Wednesday (Sept. 6) at 6 p.m. going against the University of North Georgia. They will take a 1-1 record into the contest before hitting the road again and facing Trevecca Nazarene on Saturday in a non-conference game before beginning GSC play the following weekend.
Crisler's first goal of the year came with less than 17 minutes gone in the first half (16:26) and sophomore forward Grace Berry got the assist. The lead stood at 1-0 at the end of the first half. Lee took eight shots in the half and held the Eagles to only four.
The margin grew to 2-0 at the 55:43 mark in the second stanza. Sophomore forward Alaysia Nye connected on a goal that was set up by junior Nora Burton. A little icing on the victory cake came in the 69th minute (69:41) when Crisler tallied her second goal which was unassisted.
The Lee defense was led by Katie Wilson, Avery Sides and Kate Dirkse. All three played the entire 90 minutes as did goalkeeper Abby Whitcomb.
The Lady Flames finished with 19 shots and placed five on target. Carson-Newman goalkeeper Lacy Danielle was credited with three saves. Lee's outstanding defense held the Eagles to only five shots and the one that was on-goal was saved by keeper Whitcomb.
The Lady Flames received five corner kicks and Carson-Newman two. The hard-fought battle had the referee whistle Lee for 14 fouls and the Eagles 10. Each team received one yellow card.
Coach Hennessey's Thoughts:
"It was good to come on the road again and score a win against a good team. It was a total team effort, played on a hot afternoon. When we play Carson-Newman we know it is always going to take our best effort to produce a win.
"Our defense was brilliant the entire game, holding them to just five shots took an extra effort by the entire team. It was also good to come out and get the early first goal after the tough battle against Lenoir-Rhyne.
"We will take Sunday off, get some rest and get ready for two more games next week. We look forward to playing our first home game at the Ray Conn Sports Complex."
