ANDERSON, S.C. – Anderson University Women's Soccer (2-1, 1-0 SAC) secured its first South Atlantic Conference victory of the season in thrilling fashion, defeating conference opponent Coker (1-3, 0-1 SAC), 3-2 at home.
"The team battled through adversity tonight," said Head Coach
Sarah Jacobs. "I'm proud of our resilience and digging deep to get a result against a solid opponent."
The Trojans struck early in the opening half with back-to-back goals by the Black and Gold. A pass from senior
Kaitlyn Gregory (Cincinnati, Ohio) found the foot of sophomore
Addison Peoples (Lake Wylie, S.C.) for a well-placed shot, finding the back of the net to put Anderson on the board in the 17th minute. Just minutes later, another incredible pass by Gregory found sophomore
Gabby Kirchner (Lavallette, N.J.) for the Trojans to take an early 2-0 lead.
Following the weather delay, the Cobras looked to respond before the end of the opening half, but the Anderson defense held strong to preserve the 2-0 advantage and keep Coker scoreless. With the score knotted at 2-2, the Black and Gold maintained their resilience with senior
Whitley Anderson (Eatonton, Ga.) rising to the occasion, heading the game-winning goal into the back of the net with just seven minutes remaining after a third assist by Gregory.
Gregory led the Black and Gold's offensive efforts with three assists on the pitch. The Cincinnati native notched three assists in 74 minutes of play on the evening. Senior goalkeeper
Aliyah Morgan (Fort Myers, Fla.) recorded all 90 minutes in goal while facing six shots and tallying four saves. Also recording an outstanding performance on the back line was sophomore
Serene Sherman (Mechanicsburg, Pa.) with a defensive save for the Trojans.
Anderson rounds out its home stand when they host nonconference opponent USC Aiken on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. before returning to the road.
TOP SCORERS
TROJAN LEADERS
Goals: Addison Peoples,
Gabby Kirchner,
Whitley Anderson - 1
Assists: Kaitlyn Gregory - 3
Shots: Gabby Kirchner - 2
Shots on Goal: Addison Peoples,
Gabby Kirchner,
Whitley Anderson - 1
Game-Winning Goal: Whitley Anderson
