EMORY, Va. – The Emory & Henry College Women's Soccer Team (1-4-1) earned its first win of the year Wednesday evening, defeating William Peace University (1-3-1) by a 2-0 score in non-conference play at Fred Selfe Stadium.
The two teams battled for possession for just of the first half with the Wasps finding several changes at the goal. E&H struck in the 42nd minute when sophomore midfielder Christina Ameen (Sweetwater, Tenn.) crossed a ball inside the six-yard box from the right endline to the awaiting freshman forward Sarah Safrit (China Grove, N.C.). Safrit hit a one-timer from point-blank range to put Emory & Henry up in the match, 1-0.
Early in the second half both squads had opportunities for goals but E&H's attempts went wide and the best chance of the night by WPU was safely corralled by Wasp sophomore goalkeeper Kayla Wright (Franklin County, Va.) .
After winning a free kick about 30 yards out on the right side, Emory & Henry sophomore defender Clarissa Martin (Raleigh, N.C.) served a perfect ball into the box which was headed off the far post by junior midfielder Sam Sampson (Salem, Va.). The rebound was collected by sophomore midfielder Kelsey Little (Raleigh, N.C.) who powered it into the net. Both Sampson and Martin were credited with assists on the play.
The Wasps looked to add to their lead in the final 10 minutes of the match with two more shots on goal, but the two-goal margin would hold and E&H was able to preserve the shutout and the victory.
Sampson and freshman midfielder Robbie Rodemann (Evington, Va.) had three and two shots, respectively to lead the Wasps while senior midfielder Blair Vaughn (Gate City, Va.) also added a shot on goal. Wright stopped three shots as she earned the shutout and the win.
Emory & Henry held a 13-6 advantage on shots including a 5-3 margin in shots on goal. The Wasps earned the only two corner kicks in the match and their offensive assertiveness was evident from four offside calls.
E&H will remain at home on Saturday when it opens Old Dominion Athletic Conference play against Randolph-Macon College. Kickoff between the Wasps and Yellow Jackets is set for 11:00 a.m.
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-photo courtesy of Caleb Johnston, E&H '15