SPORTS

 

DAVIDSON, N.C.  – Freshman Hailey Braemer gave Davidson an early goal and the defense took care of the rest in helping lead to a 1-0 win over Saint Joseph’s in both team’s Atlantic 10 women’s soccer opener Sunday afternoon inside Alumni Stadium.

The shutout was the ‘Cats’ fifth straight, pushing their unbeaten streak to five in a row and their overall record to 6-3-1, while also securing their first win in the series against the Hawks (3-5-1, 0-1 A-10). The unbeaten streak is the longest since a six-game winning streak back in 2007.

Braemer scored the game-winner, the first of her collegiate career, in the ninth minute.

Comments from head coach Adam Denton
“It was a battle from start to finish, as Saint Joseph’s is a tremendous team. We started well, getting the early goal and then settled down well and played some really good soccer. We kept possession of the ball and created a couple more opportunities.”

“The second half we were under a lot of pressure from St. Joe’s, as we didn’t keep possession as much as we would have liked. But, we defended extremely well, as they had several corner kicks in a row and we were able to withstanding their attack. We did get a little bit fortunate in the end when one of their shots hit the top bar, but in the balance of play, I like to believe we deserved that little bit of luck when we needed it.”

“It’s a wonderful start for us and now we will rest up for another two A-10 games coming up this week. Having these three straight home league games is huge and we are looking forward to carry on the momentum Thursday vs. Duquesne.”

Quick Hits From the Game:
•Davidson scored the lone goal at the 8:45 mark when Braemer took a cross from Gretchen Pearson in the box and touched the ball to the right corner.
•It was the freshman’s second goal of the year, while tri-captain Pearson tallied her team-leading and personal-best third assist on the season.
•The second half saw the Hawks outshoot the ‘Cats 8-2, putting pressure on the defense and keeper Mary Grace Bunch. They also had a 6-1 edge on corners in the half, but again, Davidson defense held strong.
•Saint Joseph’s hit the cross bar in the closing 30 seconds and then had a shot blocked off the rebound near the far post for its best chances of trying to force overtime.
•The shot count was 10-6 in favor of the Hawks, as they also had a 9-3 advantage on corners.
•Sophomore Grace Bunch was credited with three saves in registering her second shutout in a row and first win of the season.
•Saint Joseph’s was picked fourth in the preseason A-10 poll.
•Davidson improved to 3-2-1 at home this year and is 2-0-1 the past three games. It’s the longest unbeaten streak at home since going 1-0-2 in 2012.

Next Up:
Davidson continues on with its four-game homestand, playing a 7 p.m. contest this coming Thursday night against Duquesne.

Scoring
8:45      DAV      Hailey Braemer (2) (Gretchen Pearson)