Lady Ospreys so close to big upset

Wednesday, September 24

Raleigh, N.C.

3 p.m.

University of North Florida

North Carolina State University

Junior Katelin Swift scored her team-best fifth goal of the season

9/24/2008 5:22:06 PM | Women's Soccer

UNF opens A-Sun play, hosting USC Upstate and ETSU this weekend

By: Adam Jonson, UNF Athletics

RALEIGH, N.C. – Juniors Katelin Swift and Kristen Rhodes each scored a goal in the University of North Florida women's soccer match against North Carolina State on Wednesday, but the Wolfpack found the back of the net three times, downing the Lady Ospreys to preserve its perfect home record.

“This was an extremely hard-fought match against a good N.C. State team,” UNF head coach Linda Hamilton said. “We played hard and put forth a good effort.”

UNF (3-5-1) made the first attack when freshman Kristen Matteuzzi took a shot less than half a minute into the contest, beginning a flurry of offensive activity that included three goals in the first 26 minutes.

After less than two minutes of play, N.C. State (8-2-0) took the lead, using Paige Dugal's third goal of the season. She took a long cross from the right side and punched the ball in from 10 yards to give the Wolfpack an early 1-0 edge.

The Lady Ospreys marched back down the field, and Swift found the back of the net for the fifth time this season. She took a pass from sophomore Kristen Lazowick, blew past a defender, and beat N.C. State keeper Kim Kern in a one-on-one situation. The assist was the first of Lazowick's career at UNF.

“Swift is a hard worker,” Hamilton said. “She hit the field focused and ready from the start. She worked hard like she always does and that is paying off for her this season.”

At the 25:16 mark, the Wolfpack went on top again after Lindsay Vera netted her eighth goal of the season off a pass from Meredith Parrilla. Her shot from 25 yards sneaked past UNF keeper Erica Lippitt and found the upper right corner of the net.

N.C. State's Chantelle Dugas scored her first goal of the season a little more than seven minutes after halftime to increase the home team's lead to 3-1. Dugas' goal proved to be a pivotal play in the match to boost the Wolfpack record to 7-0 at home.

“The team came together and showed some resilience,” Hamilton said. “We kept the pressure on them and refused to back down.”

Ten minutes later, Rhodes took a rebound and zipped a shot past Kern, to cut into the lead and pull UNF within one goal. However, the Wolfpack defense tightened the reigns, and kept the Lady Ospreys at bay for the remainder of the match.

“We went through a period where we showed some fatigue,” Hamilton said. “But our girls fought through it, never gave up and battled until the final second.”

The Lady Ospreys begin Atlantic Sun Conference play this weekend, hosting two matches at Hodges Stadium. On Friday, USC Upstate and UNF kick off league play at 7 p.m. before ETSU visits on Sunday at 2 p.m.

“Playing well against a good team builds confidence, and it couldn't come at a better time,” Hamilton said. “The team is coming into its own and learning how to battle. That is really good to see as we get ready for our first conference match.”