Sunday, August 28, 2005

CHARLOTTE, N.C.- The Mercer women’s soccer team defeated UNC-Charlotte, 2-1, at Transamerica Field Sunday afternoon to even its record at 1-1 on the young season.

The Bears gained an early 1-0 advantage on sophomore Catie Marshalek’s goal with just under nine minutes gone in the opening half. Freshman Meghan Castaldo then notched the game-winning score with a breakaway goal in the 42nd minute.

The 49ers’ Nicole Labuda scored UNC-Charlotte’s lone goal with just under four minutes left in the contest, but the Bears’ defense held up, giving Mercer the win.

“I am very pleased with the win,” said Mercer head coach Grant Serafy. “Charlotte is a quality program. We have made strides since the loss Friday night. It was a great game and our players fought hard. ”

Mercer senior goalkeeper Lauren Burch, one of eight Bears to play the entire match, garnered six saves en route to picking up the win. The McDonough, Ga. native now has 13 saves on the young season and stands just one save out of fourth place in the all-time school record book.

The Bears were out shot by 10-7 margin in the contest, including 7-2 on corner kicks, but Mercer pressed the attack to come away with the victory in the first-ever meeting between UNC-Charlotte and Mercer. It was the second consecutive 2-1 loss for the 49ers, who fell to Davidson in their season opener to Friday night in Charlotte.

Marshalek paced the Bears’ attack, taking three shots, while Castaldo, defender Shelley Wegrzyn, sophomore Courtney Maxey, and senior Rachel Astorino each tallied one shot.

Mercer returns to action Wednesday, Aug. 31, as the Bears travel to Georgia Southern for a 4 p.m. scheduled kickoff.