SPORTS
Women’s Soccer Scores Season Opening Win Against Gardner-Webb
Senior keeper Sarah L’Hommedieu made sure a well-struck shot by Gardner Webb kept sailing over the goal.
DAVIDSON, N.C. – Davidson got three goals in the first 20 minutes of action and held on to score a 3-2 victory Thursday night over Gardner-Webb in its season and home opener at Alumni Stadium in women’s soccer.
Senior Michele Manceaux put a move on her Gardner Webb opponent as she came up the sideline.
Goals from Sabine Chandler, Sophia Caruso and Kendall Bushick led the Wildcats (1-0) to their 13th all-time season-opening win and improved their record in home openers to 18-13. Chandler finished with a career-high three points, adding an assist on the game-winner.
The win also kept Davidson’s unbeaten streak intact in the all-time series vs. Gardner-Webb, running its record to 9-0-0 dating back to the first meeting in 1990.
Comments from head coach Adam Denton
“The first half we played very well and were rewarded with our 3-1 lead, showing the results of our strong effort. The second half was the complete opposite, as Gardner-Webb created more and put a lot more pressure on us, some of it created by ourselves, and it really made for a tale of two halves. I’m pleased with the win overall, and we will look to improve on some things from tonight, but it’s great to get off to a good start to the season.”
Sophomore Shannon Lytle moves the ball upfield as Gardner Webb tries to keep up.
Quick Hits From the Game:
•Davidson struck first with a Chandler score six minutes into the game off the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ goalkeeper miscue, gathering in the loose ball and firing it in near side.
•The goal was the second of her career after she missed all of last season.
•The senior capped off her strong evening by helping assist on the game-winner from Bushick with 19:27 on the clock, crossing a ball into the box on the far side where Bushick tapped it in for a 3-1 lead.
•Gardner-Webb had tied the score at 1-all at the 9:18 mark on a goal from Maddie Turlington off an assist from Stina Kleppe.
•The ‘Cats came right back just over a minute later thanks to freshman Caruso’s first collegiate goal to break the tie. Caruso drilled in a rebound goal outside the box after GWU’s keeper saved a free kick.
•Gardner-Webb fired off 11 second-half shots, but were only able to score one goal off them.
•The final shot of the night, with just five ticks left in regulation, nearly tied things up off a free kick from Kleppe, who had scored a goal earlier in the half on another free kick, but her shot went high and wide.
•Davidson took 17 shots to Gardner-Webb’s 18, but it held a 7-4 advantage on corner kicks.
•Senior Sarah L’Hommedieu came up with two saves between the pipes to earn the win.
•Cameron France and Gretchen Pearson each had three shots to pace the ‘Cats on offense.
The Wildcats express their appreciation for their fans at the end of the game.
Next Up:
The Wildcats hit the road for a 1 p.m. game Sunday at Winthrop.
Scoring
5:55 DAV Sabine Chandler (unassisted)
9:18 GWebb Maddie Turlington (Stina Kleppe)
10:25 DAV Sophia Caruso (unassisted)
19:27 DAV Kendall Bushick (Sabine Chandler)
68:15 GWebb Stina Kleppe (unassisted)