March 29, 2008

Spartanburg, S.C. - The Western Carolina women's soccer team traveled down to Spartanburg, S.C. today for a trio of 45 minute games against Francis Marion University and USC Upstate.

The Catamounts took down Francis Marion in the first game, 1-0, with the lone goal put in by rising sophomore Bri Cunningham, which was all the WCU defense needed as they recorded the shut out.

In the second match up against the hometown Spartans of USC Upstate, both teams battled back and forth throughout the duration of the game, with both back lines holding strong and not allowing a goal. The time ended on the game with the score knotted up at 0-0.

Western rounded the day out with another tie, when sophomore forward Shannon Fowkes recorded the goal to preserve the 1-1 score. Fowkes, who was one of two Catamounts to be named Southern Conference Player of the Week last season, put in the late score to end the afternoon's round robin action.

Coach Tammy DeCesare said she was very satisfied with how her team performed in the off season action.

"I'm pleased with the preparation of our team," she said afterward. "Our players set the tone and pace in 2 of the three matches. We're using the spring season to try new systems and players, and some of these adjustments are just now starting to come together. Our goal is to improve each game while we prepare for next fall."

The team will continue their spring season on April 6, when they head to Bryan Park in Greensboro, N.C. to participate in the 2008 ODP Showcase. The Cats will take on Lenoir-Rhyne in the first game at 11:00 a.m., then will battle ACC member Wake Forest in the afternoon tilt, scheduled for 2:00 p.m.