MACON, Ga. - With a strong performance from senior goalkeeper Lauren Burch and goals from unlikely sources, Mercer University defeated Francis Marion University 3-0 to win the inaugural Mercer women's soccer LQ Cup.
After pushing the tempo most of the first half, Mercer (2-4) finally converted in the 44th minute. Junior Darcy Kibler fire a shot on goal that FMU goalkeeper Jacque Sutphin saved, but freshman Meghan Castaldo was there to clean up the rebound and give the Bears a 1-0 lead.
Kibler almost scored early in the second half off a header, but Sutphin made the save again. Freshman Kaytie Vander Vos tallied her first collegiate goal by putting home the rebound, giving Mercer a 2-0 lead.
Francis Marion (1-2) had opportunities, but was unable to convert. The Patriots fired five of eight shots on goal, and were thwarted on several other opportunities by the Bear defenders. Katie Riley and Kiersten Nedervelt led the Patriot attack with two shots each.
Burch kept the Patriots at bay, making five saves on the afternoon to earn her first shutout of the season. Her 11th career shutout ties her for second on the all-time list with Amy Rudge. "Burch played well," said Mercer head coach Grant Serafy. "Due to her play and some help from the defense we were able to hold off Francis Marion."
In the 67th minute, junior Jenna Goldzak tallied her first collegiate goal.
With the ball loose and being batted around right at the net, Goldzak was able to put the ball past Sutphin for the final goal of the match.
With the 3-0 victory in the afternoon's second game, Mercer claimed the inaugural LQ Cup with six points (three for the win and three for goal differential). In the first match of the day, runner-up South Florida defeated Longwood 3-1 behind a pair of goals from Jenny Mulvihill.
"I'm proud of the team for winning the inaugural Mercer LQ Cup," said Serafy. "Anytime you win a championship, it helps your club."
Francis Marion continues its long road trip into NCAA Division I. The Patriots play at East Carolina University, Sunday at 2 p.m. Mercer hits the road next weekend, facing Jacksonville State Friday at 7 p.m. CT.
