Women’s Soccer: Henderson Two-Goal Night
September 18, 2008 09:43 PM | General
By Tim Goodenow for MSNsportsNET.com
September 18, 2008
BOX SCORE | HIGHLIGHTS
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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Redshirt freshman Erica Henderson stole the show in her first collegiate start Thursday evening as 14th-ranked West Virginia posted a 4-0 shutout against Pitt at Dick Dlesk Soccer Stadium.
“It was great for her to come out here her first time starting and score two goals,” said Head Coach Nikki Izzo-Brown. “She really made a statement of how she wants to contribute to the team. I was real happy for her and excited for her.”
Henderson, who entered the game with three shots on the season, put WVU on top 1-0 seven minutes into the BIG EAST opener for both teams. The Rochester, N.Y., native finished a corner kick started by junior Nicole Mailloux and a flick from junior Carolyn Blank. It was the first shot of the night for either team.
At 21:41, Henderson scored her second goal of the match on a header from 13 yards out on a cross by senior Lisa DuCote.
The Mountaineers added to their first half lead in the 41st minute on a goal from rookie Morgan Betscher. Senior Michelle Molinari beat a Pitt defender to the end line and served ball back into the middle to Betscher, who one-timed the ball into the left corner for a 3-0 lead. The goal was the first of Betscher’s career.
Senior Deana Everrett scored her team-leading third goal of the season to complete the scoring in the 56th minute. The Oakville, Ontario, native fired a shot from 24 yards out to make it 4-0.
Everrett moves into sole possession of third place all-time in career goals scored. Her 35th career score places her one goal ahead of 2007 Hermann Trophy semifinalist Ashely Banks (34).
“It was a nice way to start the BIG EAST season,” said Izzo-Brown. “Every game counts and hopefully tonight’s outcome will open up the goal scoring for our offense.”
Mallory Beck made her first appearance of the season, working all 90 minutes in goal, making two saves in the shutout. The junior goalkeeper came up with a big save in the ninth minute, coming off her line and deflecting a shot by Pitt’s Kylie Veverka wide of the net and off the right post.
The West Virginia defense recorded its fifth shutout of the season, allowing only three shots from the Panthers.
The Mountaineers, 5-1-2 on the season, have won their last three BIG EAST openers and are 7-6-0 all-time in games to open conference play.
Pitt drops to 3-5-0 on the season, 0-1-0 in conference play.
Henderson became the third Mountaineer freshman to start a game this season, joining forwards Betscher and Blake Miller.
West Virginia is 3-0-1 in four matches at Dick Dlesk this season and 17-2-3 in its last 22 home contests.
The Mountaineers play host to 6th-ranked Virginia at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21, as part of a doubleheader with the WVU men’s soccer team. Sunday’s contest has been deemed a “Dollar Day” with all tickets, hot dogs, popcorn and Coca-Colas available for purchase for just one dollar.
