Monday, August 25, 2008

MACON, Ga. - Belmont's 2008 women's soccer campaign opened with a come from behind rally against Murray State and forcing double overtime against Vanderbilt out of the SEC. Annie Musacchio and Sari Lin performed big for the Bruins as they swept Atlantic Sun Player of the Week honors as announced by the conference office on Monday.

The Offensive Player of the Week, Musacchio scored both of Belmont's goals in the team's season opener at Murray State. The Nashville, Tenn. native and accounting major matched her scoring output for all of 2007 within seven minutes - scoring first on a penalty kick and second on an unassisted touch at the top of the box. .

Lin, the freshmen goalkeeper, had an amazing collegiate debut weekend for the Bruins. The music business major from Carefree, Ariz. Attempting to fill the void in net by 2007 All-Atlantic Sun Second-Team goalkeeper Micaela Crowley, Lin came away with five saves in 45 minutes and shut out Murray State. Two days later, Lin logged more than 103 minutes in double overtime against Vanderbilt. She also recorded a career-high 17 saves against the Commodores, and a total of 22 for the week. .

This week, Belmont returns to the road for matches at UT Martin on Friday and Middle Tennessee on Sunday. .

The Atlantic Sun Conference is an 11-member league committed to Building Winners for Life, with a focus on academic and athletic integrity and a balance between the two for the student-athlete, and maintaining a high level of sportsmanship. Headquartered in Macon, Ga., the A-Sun encompasses six of the top eight media markets in the Southeast. The A-Sun consists of some of the most dynamic private and public institutions in the region: Belmont University, Campbell University, East Tennessee State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Jacksonville University, Kennesaw State University, Lipscomb University, Mercer University, University of North Florida, University of South Carolina Upstate and Stetson University. .

Other Top Performers
Kristen Mateuzzi, UNF (MF/F - Jr. - Nashville, Tenn. - Accounting), Came off the bench and scored the game-tying goal in her first collegiate appearance
Stephanie Powers, FGCU (GK - Fr. - Seffner, Fla. - Undeclared), Recorded six saves in FGCU's season opening 3-2 win at Florida International