Monday, September 21, 2009

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The University of North Florida women’s soccer team ended the UNF Hampton Inn Ponte Vedra Showcase on a high note as UNF defeated the Citadel 4-2 on Sunday afternoon at Hodges Stadium.

The first half foreshadowed what was ahead for UNF (3-5-1) as they were able to keep the ball on The Citadel’s side, pressuring the Bulldog’s keeper to stay on her toes. A total of 11 shots came in the first half, resulting in three goals. Overall, UNF maintained their aggressive play boasting 23 total shots compared to the Bulldog’s seven.

“I’m really proud about how the whole team played,” said head coach Linda Hamilton. “Everyone did a really good job of maintaining their level of play. Overall it was a great team effort. I thought we created a ton of chances and it was a great match to end our non-conference play.”

UNF’s first goal came in the fourth minute of the match as sophomore Alexa Raborn sent a ball through the Bulldog’s defenders, which set up Katelin Swift for a one touch shot over the the Citadel’s keeper Whitney Nave in the right corner of the net.

In the tenth minute, the Citadel answered back with a goal. The Bulldog’s Nikki Mares played a ball over top the UNF defense on an attack through the middle of the field.

Senior Elena Luzins, on the first of nine UNF corner kicks, placed a ball to the back left post where senior Kristin Rhodes set Swift in stride for her second one-touch goal of the match.