Friday, November 12, 2010

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Despite the outcome, the Mercer University women's soccer team looked poised and experienced in a 3-0 loss to the No. 2 seed Florida Gators in the program's first-ever NCAA Women's College Cup match on Friday night.

The Bears (10-9-1, 7-3 A-Sun) came in as the champions of the Atlantic Sun and were facing a highly touted and No. 5 ranked Gator (19-2-2, 9-1-1 SEC) team. Mercer kept it competitive throughout the match, thanks in large part to the play of seven seniors, but was eventually overpowered by the Gators speed and athleticism.

"I give Florida a lot of credit," head coach Grant Serafy said. "They have a very good team and they really deserved the game tonight."

The first half featured a gritty and determined defensive effort by the Bears and in particular junior goalkeeper Cagney Valloch. Florida came into the match with the ninth ranked scoring offense in the country and certainly showed it; earning a number of scoring chances in the half.

Valloch and the Bears back line were able to diffuse a better number of those chances, but Florida would capitalize on an opportunistic play in the 15th minute.

Gator junior defender Kathryn Williamson launched a high lob from midfield that carried long over a pressing Bears defense and found the foot of the streaking McKenzie Barney. Barney was able to corral the ball and put an easy one-touch over a charging Valloch. It was Barney's 13th goal of the season.