Sept. 2, 2009
LAS VEGAS -
Complete Release in PDF Format
The UNLV women's soccer team (1-1-1) will its first-ever trip to the state of North Carolina this week for a pair of games against ACC competition. UNLV will take on NC State in Raleigh on Thursday at 2 pm (PST), before finishing up the trip at Duke in Durham on Saturday at 10 am (PST). This will be a homecoming trip for head coach Kat Mertz, as she was an all-conference goalkeeper for NC State from 1994-97.
Breaking in several new starters into the lineup, UNLV's offense has taken time to come together after being held to just one goal over the first two games. Against CSUB on Sunday however, the Rebels looked much improved and were getting contributions off their bench as well as it provided the first goal and assist of the game, as Jamie McCoy scored off an assist from Danielle O'Neil. It was the first career goal and career assist for both players.
Players To Watch
Though off to a slow start in 2009, junior forward Ashleigh Shoughro remains the top offensive threat for the Rebels after setting a school record with 28 points in 2008. Thus far this season she has one point, off an assist against Illinois State. Three different players have all scored one goal for UNLV this year, senior Shannon Hughes, senior Jamie McCoy, and freshman Collete Jepson. Senior Alicia Lugo meanwhile has kept up her strong play in the nets. She has a 1.24 GAA and was 15 seconds away from earning her first shutout of the season before allowing a penalty kick goal against Cal State Bakersfield. She also has 18 saves on the season which leads the MWC.
Scouting NC State
The Wolfpack have had a strong start to their season, as they have come out with three straight wins, and have also allowed just one total goal, outscoring their opponents 9-1 thus far in 2009. Two of the three wins came at home, 3-0 over Old Dominion and 4-1 over Davidson, while the team also claimed a 2-0 win at Campbell. Sophomore Tanya Cain has been the offense for NCSU, having scored a team-high four goals for eight points, and she was ACC Co-Player of the Week on Sept. 1. Also providing offense has been freshman Kara Blosser with two goals and an assist for five points. In goal is Kim Kern, who has a 0.34 GAA with six saves in 261 minutes of action.
Scouting Duke
The Blue Devils has struggled with injuries to begin the season, and that's been reflected in their results as the team is off to a 1-2 start, which includes a 1-0 loss to UNC Greensboro and a 3-2 loss to UCF this past weekend at the Nike Carolina Classic in Chapel Hill, N.C.. Leading Duke this season thus far is senior forward KayAnne Gummersall with two goals and an assist for five points, while classmate Elisabeth Redmond has posted one goal and two assists for four points. Emily Nahas and Tara Campbell have both played 135 minutes in goal this year, with Nahas boasting a 0.67 GAA while Campbell has a 2.00.
Next Time Out
UNLV returns home for a pair of games at Peter Johann Memorial Field. beginning with a Wednesday, Sept. 9 contest against Ohio State at 5 pm. The Rebels will then host UC irvine on Friday, Sept. 11 at 7 pm.
