Friday, August 26, 2005

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (Aug. 26, 2005) - The ETSU women's soccer team lost a tough match to the defending Big South Conference champions UNC Asheville in its season opener 3-0 Friday at Greenwood Field. 

UNC Asheville senior Hilary McKay scored twice for the Bulldogs while freshman Robyn Busha added the other goal.

"This was Asheville's first game of the season and the first game on their new field so they came out very enthusiastic and ready to play," said ETSU head soccer coach Heather Henson.  "It's early in the season and we just need to cleanup and take care of some details in order to have success this year on the field."

UNC Asheville got on the board quickly when McKay scored from five yards out at the 2:10 mark to push the Bulldogs in front, 1-0.

It stayed 1-0 for most of the half as the Lady Bucs had some good opportunities only to have Mattos make three saves in the half to keep the Bucs from scoring. Freshman Rachel Layer had a point-blank shot from three yards out that Mattos blocked 15 minutes into the match.

Busha scored her first career goal on a penalty kick at the 37:30 mark. The freshman was knocked down in the box and was awarded the PK to give UNC Asheville the 2-0 lead.  McKay scored the final goal from five yards out to give UNC Asheville the victory.

Next week the Bucs will travel to participate in the Middle Tennessee State Tournament on Friday and Sunday afternoon. The Lady Bucs then return for their first home game against Radford on Sept. 9 at the Liberty Bell Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.