Sports > March 6, 2008

By Susie Manship | Staff writer

To begin the spring season, the women’s soccer team traveled to Cary, N.C. March 1 to play two back-to-back games against Duke and Florida. The Deacons tied the Blue Devils 0-0 in the first game. Duke finished the fall season 7th in the ACC with an overall record of 3-3-4. Last season, the Deacs had an overtime win and tie against the Blue Devils.

There were few scoring chances for either team.

“In practice we only had enough girls to play 6-on-6, so the change to full field was a challenge we had to adapt to,” said senior Kristina Hanley.

Hanley led the defensive effort in her first game back after an injury that occurred in early September.

Sophomore goalkeeper Laura Morse added a shut out to her record.

Sixty minutes later, the Deacs geared up to face Florida.

The two teams last met in 1999, where Florida posted a 1-0 victory against the Deacs.

The Deacons got revenge in this match with a 2-0 victory over the Gators.

The Deacs’ first goal came off a cross from sophomore Sarah Winslow.

Sophomore Allie Sadow finished the cross with a 10-yard shot that landed in the back of net.

Building on its first goal, the team dominated the second half of play.

Freshman Victoria Delbono crossed a ball to Winslow who scored the team’s final goal.

“Our primary goal this spring season is to develop into a National Championship team. It starts with the spring – with winning and passionately competing every game,” said Hanley.

The Deacs will travel down to August, Ga., March 29 to face two strong SEC schools – Georgia and Tennessee.