Friday, August 29, 2008

MACON, Ga. - The Bears held their own against the region's No. 9-ranked Davidson, but a close range header from the Wildcats Kyri Bye-Nagel just after halftime sent Mercer to a 1-0 loss in the first round of the LQ Cup. The loss sends to Bears to 0-2-0 on the young season, while Davidson advances to 2-0.

"I thought Davidson played well, but it was another disappointing start for us," Mercer head coach Grant Serafy said afterward. "We continue to come out a little flat, and I don't know why. I thought we played better after the goal, but we need to concentrate for 90 minutes. We lose track for a few minutes, and we make mistakes that lead to goals."

The Wildcats did seem to get the better of proceedings early, outshooting their hosts 5-1 in the opening frame. Mercer did show some early signs of life, however, with a couple of well-orchestrated moves. A smart counterattack and a clever one-two between Meghan Castaldo and Erin Theobald ended in a shooting opportunity for Emerald Phillips, but the freshman hooked her shot inches wide.

Phillips then did well to redirect a Lizzy Shaughnessy long ball into Theobald's path, but the Davidson defense recovered to smother the resulting shot.

Bye-Nagel was proving a handful for the Mercer defense, however, and her efforts paid off soon after the restart. Davidson's Suzanne Sittko got free down the left flank, and Bye-Nagel found space in the Bears' box to head home from six yards out.