Monday, October 20, 2008

MACON, Ga. - Mercer wrote another extraordinary chapter in its 2008 story, as the Bears recorded a huge 1-0 victory against ETSU, despite playing a man down for over 50 minutes of the contest. Freshman Olivia Tucker scored the game-winning goal to earn her first ever Player of the Week. Lizzy Shaughnessy held down the Bears’ net, defending two shutouts this weekend for Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced on Monday.

Tucker helped the Bears to two big wins this weekend, scoring the game-winning goal in one match while provided the game-winning assist in the other. She scored one of the biggest goals of the season for first-place Mercer, heading a dramatic game winner in the 81st minute to give the team their win on Sunday.

Tucker's goal claimed an important win despite playing with just 10 players for the entire second half. The Peachtree City, Ga., native also scored a goal in the team’s 6-0 match against USC Upstate on Friday, showing her skill and composure to juke past a Spartan defender in the box before firing a hard shot between the keeper’s legs. She assisted on the game-winning goal in that contest, providing a perfect cross for Ali Meek to sweep home in the 27th minute. Tucker's play is a big reason that Mercer now sits atop the A-Sun standings, as she leads the team with seven goals.

Mercer boasts the league's top defense thanks in large part to the consistent play of Shaughnessy. The sophomore helped the Bears to two shutouts over the weekend, raising the team’s season total to nine, leading the A-Sun. On Sunday, the Roswell, Ga., native neutralized ETSU’s scoring threat Jordan Monty, allowing her just two shots and no shots on goal for the match, despite the Bears having just 10 players for most of match. Lizzy has helped the Bears keep four straight shutouts, as the team has not allowed a goal in the last 405:48 minutes of play.

Shaughnessy provides width in attack with smart runs and impeccable passing ability, which she illustrated by sending an inch-perfect cross from 40 yards away for Tucker to head home for the game’s only goal in the win against ETSU.

With the win, Mercer jumps five points clear atop the A-Sun with just two games remaining to play. The Bears return to action Saturday, as they head to North Carolina for a meeting with Campbell.

The Atlantic Sun Conference is an 11-member league committed to Building Winners for Life. The A-Sun stands for achievement with integrity in both the academic and athletic arenas, with a focus on the balance between the two for our student-athletes. Headquartered in Macon, Ga., the A-Sun boasts six of the top eight media markets in the Southeast. The A-Sun includes a blend of the most prestigious and 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
Bridget Gaughan, Kennesaw State (D - Powder Springs, Ga. - Junior - Nursing) - Played all 186 minutes over the weekend -Allowed one goal…Helped KSU pick up a shut out on Friday, their fifth of the season…Did not allow any goals against ETSU, who was ranked third in the conference at the time…Limited ETSU to only eight shots on the match, four of which were shots on goal…Only allowed one goal against USC Upstate, which was when the back up goal keeper was in and subs were in…Held USC Upstate to only three shots the entire match
Jelena Vrcelj, Jacksonville (F - Jacksonville, Fla. - Sophomore - Education) - Two goals in one start…scored two of the three goals in JU's 3-0 win against Campbell...scored the game-winning goal seven minutes into the match...added her second goal less than five minutes later for her first multi-goal game.

A-Sun Weekly Notes
Kennesaw State: The KSU Owls had another eventuful weekend at home, defeating ETSU 2-1 in a thrilling overtime and then beating USC Upstate 4-1. The freshmen showed what they were made of with Kristin Kranick scoring two goals and Katie Scott picking up two assists. The Owls continue to dominate at home, now owning a 6-0 record in Kennesaw, Ga. The Black and Gold continue to push for the first place spot in conference with only two matches left.

Lipscomb: The Lipscomb Lady Bisons have three players nearing the program record for goals in a season. Brandi Besheres, Kate Spellman and Halie Proffitt each have scored four goals this season, all one short of the program record of five scored by Melissa Chambers during the 2005 season. Spellman has five assists, one short of the season record of six set in 2006 by Sara Green. Spellman’s 13 points so far this season is a new program record for points in a season. Melissa Chambers had 12 points in 2005.

Mercer: Became the first team to clinch a spot in the A-Sun Championship…they can take home first with a win on Saturday