NEWBERRY, S.C. – The Lady Indians of Newberry College dropped a conference match-up to the Lady Indians of Catawba College 2-0 today at the Newberry Soccer Complex.  Missed opportunities were the story of the game for Newberry as they out shot their fellow Lady Indians 15-10.  However, the Lady Indians of Newberry were unable to convert while Catawba was able to take advantage.

“We didn’t deserve to lose that game, much less by two goals,” stated head coach Juan Pablo Favero.  “They took advantage of their two or three clear chances and we missed our three or four clear chances.  The second half we had the possession and the chances.  We dominated the second half but we just couldn’t finish.  I’m proud of the girls, though.  We’re close to becoming an elite team.  We just have to finish.”

Newberry had a few open chances in the Catawba box early in the first half, but were unable to get anything started.  Although Catawba was out shot nine to five in the first half, they still managed to maintain possession of the ball throughout much of the half.  After consistent ball control, Catawba was rewarded with a goal in the 26th minute.  Forward McKenzie Burman (Rolesville, N.C.) fired a shot that bounced off the right post and rebounded in front of midfielder Kim Crowley (Glendale, Ariz.), who sent the ball past a diving Newberry keeper Danielle Beckerle (St. Louis, Mo.).  Burman was credited with an assist on the play. 

Shortly after the goal, Newberry midfielder Alie Brady (Summerville, S.C.) lured Catawba keeper Cathrine Balentine (Charlotte, N.C.) off her line, but was denied a goal when Balentine dove to protect the now open net.  Balentine finished the game with five saves, as did Newberry’s Beckerle.  The Lady Indians of Newberry had a couple other close calls during the remainder of the half, but couldn’t convert. 

Early in the second half proved to be much like the first half for Newberry as the ladies still couldn’t get much going offensively.  As the half progressed, Newberry started to gain more control of the ball, which resulted in some better looks at the goal.  However, the Lady Indians of Newberry just missed shots by forward Mandi Butler (Holly Springs, N.C.) and forward Brook Tumblin (Florence, S.C.).  After withstanding the Newberry threats, Catawba, who joined Newberry in the NSCAA/adidas Southeast Region rankings this week (Catawba is tied for 10th while Newberry is seventh), went on to net their second goal in the 82nd minute.  The score came after midfielder Chelsea Hibbard (Wilson, N.Y.) sent a corner kick into the Newberry box and off the head of defender Leigh Telzrow (Dallas, Texas).

The loss snaps Newberry’s four-game win streak, as they fall to 4-2-1 overall and 1-1-0 in South Atlantic Conference play.  Catawba improves to 4-2-0 overall and 1-0-0 in the SAC. 

The Lady Indians of Newberry are set to host Presbyterian College on September 21st at 4 p.m.  The Lady Indians of Catawba head home to face Concord (W. Va.) on September 20th at 5 p.m.