SPORTS

 

CULLOWHEE, N.C. — The Davidson women’s soccer team struck with an early goal Sunday, and it proved to be enough in a 1-0 debut win at Western Carolina.

Remi White scored in the 10th minute, off an assist from Gretchen Pearson, and the Wildcats held the Catamounts scoreless for the duration to get their second straight season-opening win.

“Really pleased with the performance today against a very good Western team, coming off a big win at home over Charlotte,” said coach Adam Denton, whose Wildcats defeated Gardner-Webb to open the 2019 season. “They were full of confidence, and we knew it’d be difficult on the road. The girls are extremely excited about being back, and it’s great to start off the season with a victory. We want to continue to build with this young team as we can.”

The match’s only score came after Pearson angled in from the right side and lofted a shot toward the frame. Western goalkeeper Melody Mezzina deflected it, but White was there to gather it and finish to the top left corner.

“We played extremely well, got a couple opportunities and took one with a good play from Gretchen Pearson,” said Denton. “The goalkeeper saved it, but Remi was there for the rebound.”

Davidson held a 7-2 advantage in shots on goal, and Mary Grace Bunch notched the shutout with two saves.

Denton said the team, understandably, given the span of 482 days between official contests, showed some fatigue in the second half. But he was proud of how the Wildcats responded and finished.

“‘We were resilient, continued to battle and adjusted the system with 15 or 20 minutes to go,” he said. “We got better. We won more second balls, got the ball up the field and we managed the game in the final 10 minutes.”

Up Next
Davidson returns to the road against another former Southern Conference foe when it faces Appalachian State at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25 in Boone.