Waller's Overtime Winner Lifts Women's Soccer Over LMU

SALISBURY, NC -- Freshman Sophie Waller (Watford, ENGLAND/St. Michael's Catholic) scored just under two minutes into overtime to lift Catawba to 1-0 victory over visiting Lincoln Memorial in South Atlantic Conference women's soccer action on Saturday afternoon at Frock Field.  The Catawba Indians improve to 10-6 overall and 4-4 in the SAC, keeping alive hopes of hosting a first round tournament match.  The Lady Railsplitters fall to 6-6-1 and 3-4-1.

Both teams had excellent chances in regulation to score.  Catawba had two headers from Emily Auwarter (Shamong, NJ/Seneca HS) late in the first half denied.  First by the post, then from LMU keeper Kayla Hanson (Melbourne, FL).  Lady Indian keeper Bethany Davis (Salisbury, MD/Parkside HS) stopped shots from Savannah Pitt (Gallatin, TN) and Nicole McKinney (Ooltewah, TN) early in the second half to keep the match tied.

Hanson had to leave the game right on the hour mark after making a sliding stop on a Catawba cross attempt.  Waller had a chance to put Catawba on top with five minutes left, but whistled a shot just wide from about 15 yards out.  Waller then struck the winner 1:43 into extra time with a sharp angle shot from about 12 yards out.

Catawba put eight of its 15 shots on target, while LMU had seven of 10 shots on goal.  Davis recorded the seven saves to notch her first shutout of the year in just her second start.  Hanson had five saves, while Kayla Stephens (Keller, TX) made two stops after relieving Hanson. 

Catawba travels to Limestone on Wednesday for a 3 p.m. match then returns home to Frock Field next Saturday for the regular-season finale vs. Brevard at 5 p.m.