NEWBERRY, S.C. – The Newberry women’s soccer team scored two second half goals to preserve a 3-1 victory over conference rival Presbyterian College today at the Newberry Soccer Complex. The Lady Indians, who improve to 5-2-1 overall and 2-1-0 in South Atlantic Conference play, dominated the first half en route to a similar performance early in the second half. Presbyterian falls to 2-4-0 overall and 0-3-0 in SAC play.
“Any win against a rival is big,” stated head coach Juan Pablo Favero. “What we did better tonight was finish. The positive thing about tonight is that we did finish our chances and we defended well. They [Presbyterian] are a talented team with some talented individuals.”
The game started out in Newberry’s favor, as they controlled the ball the majority of the first half. After enduring limited scoring opportunities early in the half, the Lady Indians opened the flood gates about 20 minutes into the game. The Newberry attack was led by forwards Brooke Tumblin (Florence, S.C.) and Inga Woiwode (El Paso, Texas), as they teamed up to draw Presbyterian keeper Erin Sinkuler (Roswell, Ga.) off her line. Midfielder Ashleigh Mayer (St. Peters, Mo.) got in on the action as well, but no one was able to put the ball in the net.
The Newberry attack continued as senior Kristin Parker (LaPorte, Texas) and sophomore Greta Hewett (Charleston, S.C.) made strong shots on goal, only to be denied by Sinkuler. Sinkuler finished the game with five saves, while Newberry keeper Danielle Beckerle (St. Louis, Mo.) finished with four. The Lady Indian dominance finally paid off when Tumblin passed to defender Najla Bubtana (Miami, Fla.), who found Parker waiting in the Presbyterian box. Parker only paused a second to control the ball before scorching a shot to the right of the keeper in the 43rd minute. Bubtana and Tumblin were awarded assists on the play.
The second half featured much of the same from the Lady Indians, as Woiwode wasted no time in putting Newberry’s second goal on the board. After dribbling passed several defenders, Woiwode netted the ball to the right of the keeper in the 48th minute.
Despite the 2-0 deficit, Presbyterian started to gain more control as the second half progressed. The Lady Blue Hose out shot Newberry 5-3 in the second half, but were awarded just one corner kick for the game to Newberry’s seven. Both teams produced nine shots on the game.
Following the Presbyterian pressure, the Lady Indians picked up the intensity, which resulted in a 64th minute goal by midfielder Alie Brady (Summerville, S.C.). After a pass from Woiwode, Brady sent a shot from 30 yards out through several defenders and over the hands of the keeper. Woiwode was credited with the assist.
With less than 20 minutes remaining, Presbyterian lit up the scoreboard for their first goal. Forward Claire Joyce (Aiken, S.C.) crossed to midfielder Christy Howard (Lilburn, Ga.), who sent the ball up and to the right of an extended Beckerle from 30 yards out in the 73rd minute. As the clock continued to run, Presbyterian’s scramble to produce two more goals went unfulfilled at the hands of the Newberry defense.
With the win, the Lady Indians pick up their second victory over the Lady Blue Hose in school history, the first coming almost a year ago on September 22, 2004.
“I think for the college, this win means a lot,” concluded Favero. “Any time you beat Presbyterian in any sport is a big win. As a whole, we have to get past the idea that the only important game is against Presbyterian. We’re aiming for much more than that. We want other big wins, too, and we’re not going to be satisfied.”
The Lady Indians embark on a four-game road trip as they travel to Wingate University for a 4 p.m. game on September 24th. The Lady Blue Hose head home as they await a September 24th match-up against Tusculum College. Kick off is set for 7 p.m.
