Friday, August 14, 2009

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The Mercer women's soccer team opened its 2009 season with a 1-0 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide Thursday evening in an exhibition match at the Alabama Soccer Complex. Both teams played scoreless until the Bears found the back of the net in the 76th minute to earn the win.

"It was a good way to open the season," said Mercer head coach Grant Serafy. "We played very well in the first half."

In the 76th minute, the Bears took advantage of a set play on the left side of the field. Sophomore Ali Meek took the free kick from 25 yards out near her- own bench and found freshman Danielle Hesse on a diagonal run in the box. Hesse buried the ball on a header near post from eight yards out.

Both teams played a scoreless first half, but Mercer posted 13 shots to only two by Alabama. In the second half, the Tide got their offense going out-shooting Mercer by eight. Overall, Mercer out-shot Alabama 20-12.

Mercer's Sara Elliot, Lauren Johnson and Emerald Phillips each accounted for three shots while Olivia Tucker and Kacie Hudson had two. Freshman Lindsey Sillers led Alabama with three shots.

"This is a promising start," Serafy said. "Alabama is an up and coming program. Beating an SEC team on the road will hopefully lay a good foundation for the year."