Saturday, August 13, 2005

BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Jessica Tacha hit a blistering strike from 30-yards out that ricocheted off crossbar and in as Campbell kicked off its season with a 3-0 victory in the annual women’s soccer alumni game.

Campbell out shot the alumni team 15-1, as first year head coach Matthew Dillon’s defense held strong in its first test of the season. While not extremely pressed the team was able to give players time to gel in the back. The Camels look to replace the entire back line from last year’s team which allowed an average of less than one goal per game. Solid defensive performances were turned in by a pair of true freshman starters Stacie Sweet and Allie Frakes.

The Camels got off to a fast start as senior Susan Persson opened the account with a left-footed shot past the alumni goalkeeper just over ten minutes into the match. The Stockholm, Sweden native, led the Camels in goal last season with eight, in route to earning second team All-Atlantic Sun honors for the third consecutive year.

The current squad doubled its lead less than three minutes later from an own goal. Junior, Christina Candeloro’s cross attempt rattled around in the box before an attempted clearance by the alumni team put the ball into the back of its own net.

Tacha’s goal sealed the win for Camels putting the game out of reach. The junior, from Linden, Va. turned in two goals in 21 appearances for the Camels last season. Tacha will have to play a role as a team leader on a squad in which Persson is the lone senior.

The Camel Women will return to action Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at the Eakes Athletic Complex when they face The Citadel in an exhibition match. The official season begins Aug. 20 against Longwood.