Pioneers Hold Their Own Against Defending National Champion
| Final | 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SCAD Savannah (1-0-0) | 0 | 2 | 2 |
|
Spartanburg Methodist (0-1-0) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Spartanburg, S.C. – For nearly 59 minutes, the Spartanburg Methodist College women's soccer team held defending national champion and top-ranked SCAD Savannah scoreless in the season opener.
In her debut, head coach Debbie Pekel's Pioneers played a disciplined, organized defense that kept the Bees in check. SCAD (1-0), which averaged nearly four goals per game last season on its way to the national title, was frustrated early by the hosts.
Behind sophomore goalkeeper Ava Wilson and junior defender CJ Hawkins, SMC (0-1) weathered the pressure through the first half. Wilson, an honorable mention all-conference pick a year ago, came up big with six saves on 10 shots in the opening 45 minutes.
The Bees finally broke through in the 59th minute when Hannah Burchfield finished a pass from Mia Gomez to the lower left corner. SCAD added another in the 82nd minute on a goal by Lovissa Hennell to make it 2-0.
Wilson closed the match with 12 saves on 14 shots, while SCAD keeper Saga Bryntesson notched the shutout without facing a shot.
