Pacers Battle but Come Up Short Against Wildcats

Raleigh, NC-The Pacer soccer squad played a strong match versus the visiting Wildcats of Randolph College in today's 1-0 loss at WakeMed Soccer Park.  Peace dropped their fifth this season and Randolph improved to 3-4 overall.

The Pacers controlled the ball much of the match but struggled to reach the net beyond the Wildcats' strong goalie Victoria Johnson, who finished the match with 20 saves.

First-year forward Melissa Moran (Raleigh, NC) challenged Johnson with 10 shots.  She and teammate Harlonda Smith (Huntersville, NC), who recorded six shots in the loss, pushed the ball but could not reach the goal.

Jeanna Buck (Washington, NC) and Karissa Herring (Seven Springs, NC) moved the ball up the right side to create opportunities for Peace with senior midfielders Haley Bright (Snow Hill, NC) and Randal McLean (Lumberton, NC). Defenders Brittany Lynn (Raleigh, NC), Courtney Butler (Lewisville, NC), and Jennifer Gilbert (Burlington, NC) covered the backfield to help first-year Pacer keeper Devin Gravgaard (Elizabeth City, NC) protect the goal.  Gravgaard earned seven saves.

Randolph's Samantha Wittie picked up the game's only goal at just under 19 minutes in period one.  She was assisted by Courtney Collier on the play.

Peace travels tomorrow to Asheville, NC for a 2:00 pm non-league match versus Warren Wilson College.  The Pacers return home next Sunday to host Piedmont College at WakeMed's field four.  First kick is slated for 2:00 pm.  See you on the sidelines!