The Wesleyan College soccer team had difficulty finding an offensive rhythm against a dominant Piedmont College team, dropping their first Great South Athletic Conference match by a score of 12-0.
Senior goalkeeper Emily Epperson hauled in 15 saves in the loss, moving her career total to 960. With those saves, she moved into third place in NCAA Division III history in the career saves category. She is now only 14 saves away from second place but will need 154 more over the next eight games to earn the top spot.
__________________________________________________________
NCAA Division III Career Saves Leaders (Name / School / Years / Games / Saves)
1. Amanda Cobb, New Jersey City 1997-00 66 1,114
2. Sara Jesuit, Marian (WI) 1999-02 72 973
3. *Emily Epperson, Wesleyan 2007- 58 960
4. Tracy Dolence, Lake Erie 1998-01 78 954
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Freshman Laura Goodwin led the way for the Lions with four goals, while freshman Cydney Goodwin added a hat trick.
The Pioneers return to action on Saturday, October 2 for a Great South Athletic Conference match-up against Spelman College. Kick-off is at 2:00pm.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Belle Thomas Picks Up Second GSAC Runner of the Week Honor
Wesleyan senior Belle Thomas earned her second Great South Athletic Conference Runner of the Week honor for her performance in the LaGrange College Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 25.Thomas finished second overall with a personal best time of 21:27 over the 5K course. She improved her time from her last race by 1:20 and helped the Pioneers to a second place finish, which is the highest finish in program history.
The Pioneers run again on Saturday, Oct. 9 at the Southern Challenge hosted by Chattahoochee Tech.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Mustafa Named GSAC Cross Country Runner of the Week
Junior Azea Mustafa of Wesleyan College was named the Great South Athletic Conference Runner of the Week for the week of September 20.Mustafa placed 52nd in the Mercer University RunFit Sports Invitational with a time of 23:51, improving upon her first race time by two minutes and 16 seconds. She is a dual-sport athlete, spliting her time between cross country and soccer in the fall. Mustafa is Wesleyan's leading goal-scorer and captain of the soccer team.
The Wesleyan College cross country team will compete again on October 9 in the Southern Challenge hosted by Chattahoocee Tech in Marietta, Ga.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Thomas & Oakes Lead Wesleyan to School Record Finish
A pair of Wesleyan runners posted top-10 finishes to lead the Pioneers to an impressive second place showing at the LaGrange Invitational [FULL RESULTS].
The runner-up honor marks the best finish in school history. Senior captain Belle Thomas ran a personal-best 21:27.86 to finish second in the individual competition as well. Miriam Oakes put on her best performance of the season with an eighth place finish in a time of 24:33.81.
Wesleyan finished behind Great South Athletic Conference rival Spelman College in the team standings. Kaitlyn Rentz (17th // 27:13.08), Taylor Lyle (25th // 29:20.85), Amanda Holliday (26th // 30:18.92) and Aditi Dey (30th // 32:42.89) round out the Pioneer competitors.
Wesleyan returns to action at the Southern Challenge hosted by Chattahoochee Tech on October 9.
The runner-up honor marks the best finish in school history. Senior captain Belle Thomas ran a personal-best 21:27.86 to finish second in the individual competition as well. Miriam Oakes put on her best performance of the season with an eighth place finish in a time of 24:33.81.
Wesleyan finished behind Great South Athletic Conference rival Spelman College in the team standings. Kaitlyn Rentz (17th // 27:13.08), Taylor Lyle (25th // 29:20.85), Amanda Holliday (26th // 30:18.92) and Aditi Dey (30th // 32:42.89) round out the Pioneer competitors.
Wesleyan returns to action at the Southern Challenge hosted by Chattahoochee Tech on October 9.
Soccer Falls to Judson College
The Wesleyan College soccer team had difficulty finding a rhythm on offense on Saturday afternoon, losing their match against Judson College 2-0.
Currently ranked fourth in the USCAA, Judson (4-3-2) fired 28 shots against the Pioneer defense. Christina Carter scored a goal in each half to spark the Eagles offense. Wesleyan's Emily Epperson added 14 more saves to her career total.
Wesleyan (0-4-1) was only able to manage three shots on offense in a game where the Pioneers seemed out of sync according to Wesleyan coach Michael Spivey. "I think we beat ourselves today because we played very poorly. We were able to string together 5-10 minutes of good play, but we could not sustain our positive play for any length of time."
The Pioneers return to the pitch on Thursday, September 30 when they open Great South Athletic Conference play against Piedmont College. Kickoff is at 7:00pm at the Mathews Athletic Complex on the campus of Wesleyan College.
Currently ranked fourth in the USCAA, Judson (4-3-2) fired 28 shots against the Pioneer defense. Christina Carter scored a goal in each half to spark the Eagles offense. Wesleyan's Emily Epperson added 14 more saves to her career total.
Wesleyan (0-4-1) was only able to manage three shots on offense in a game where the Pioneers seemed out of sync according to Wesleyan coach Michael Spivey. "I think we beat ourselves today because we played very poorly. We were able to string together 5-10 minutes of good play, but we could not sustain our positive play for any length of time."
The Pioneers return to the pitch on Thursday, September 30 when they open Great South Athletic Conference play against Piedmont College. Kickoff is at 7:00pm at the Mathews Athletic Complex on the campus of Wesleyan College.
Volleyball Swept in First GSAC Weekend
Wesleyan volleyball ran into a buzz-saw on Saturday afternoon, dropping matches to host Maryville College and Piedmont College in the team's first weekend of Great South Athletic Conference play.
The Pioneers (1-6, 0-2 GSAC) were swept 3-0 in both matches. Adrianne Woodward led the way offensively, totaling seven kills in the two matches. Cecilia Cortez finished with a career-best 10 digs in the match against the Scots.
Wesleyan hosts West Georgia Technical College in an exhibition match on Friday night before welcoming Salem College and Huntingdon College to Porter Gym for the second GSAC weekend of the season on Saturday.
The Pioneers (1-6, 0-2 GSAC) were swept 3-0 in both matches. Adrianne Woodward led the way offensively, totaling seven kills in the two matches. Cecilia Cortez finished with a career-best 10 digs in the match against the Scots.
Wesleyan hosts West Georgia Technical College in an exhibition match on Friday night before welcoming Salem College and Huntingdon College to Porter Gym for the second GSAC weekend of the season on Saturday.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Sheely Double-Double Paces Volleyball Against Brewton-Parker
Brittanie Sheely's double-double helped Wesleyan College volleyball take another step forward despite falling to Brewton-Parker College 3-1 (17-25, 25-23, 12-25, 22-25) at Porter Gymnasium.
Just a week ago, the Pioneers (1-4) struggled against the Barons (11-4) in a straight set loss, but building on last night's win, this contest was much closer contested.
Sheely notched 10 kills to go with 10 digs, becoming the first Wesleyan player to post a double-double since the program was re-instituted last year.
In the second set, the Pioneers limited the Barons to a -.125 hitting percentage. Alaina Avera added 13 digs, one of four Wesleyan players to record double-digit digs.
Wesleyan opens conference play this weekend when the team travels to Maryville College on Saturday to take on league-leading Piedmont College and host Maryville College.
Just a week ago, the Pioneers (1-4) struggled against the Barons (11-4) in a straight set loss, but building on last night's win, this contest was much closer contested.
Sheely notched 10 kills to go with 10 digs, becoming the first Wesleyan player to post a double-double since the program was re-instituted last year.
In the second set, the Pioneers limited the Barons to a -.125 hitting percentage. Alaina Avera added 13 digs, one of four Wesleyan players to record double-digit digs.
Wesleyan opens conference play this weekend when the team travels to Maryville College on Saturday to take on league-leading Piedmont College and host Maryville College.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Wesleyan Volleyball Earns First Win of Season
The Wesleyan College volleyball team picked up its first win of the season, defeating Atlanta Christian College by a score of 3-1 (25-21, 25-16, 18-25, 25-16).
The Pioneers (1-3) were paced by junior Alaina Avera's eight kills, seven digs, four service aces and one block. Freshman Adrianne Woodward also contributed seven kills and eight aces for the match.
"Being a freshman, I didn't think (the win) would mean so much, but it has shown me how special it is to play on a college team," said Adrianne Woodard.
The win snaps a 36-match losing streak and marks the first for the volleyball program since Sept. 24, 2005 when the Pioneers defeated Fisk University. Wesleyan did not sponsor volleyball from 2006-2008 and went winless in its first season after being reinstated.
"Our ladies played together. They played well and with enthusiasm," commented second-year coach J.D. McAlister. "They showed they know how to play (the game). The team did what we were asking of them and they played with both passion and focus."
The Pioneers will try to make it two in a row tomorrow evening when they take on Brewton-Parker College at Porter Gymnasium on the campus of Wesleyan College. The match begins at 6:00pm.
The Pioneers (1-3) were paced by junior Alaina Avera's eight kills, seven digs, four service aces and one block. Freshman Adrianne Woodward also contributed seven kills and eight aces for the match.
"Being a freshman, I didn't think (the win) would mean so much, but it has shown me how special it is to play on a college team," said Adrianne Woodard.
The win snaps a 36-match losing streak and marks the first for the volleyball program since Sept. 24, 2005 when the Pioneers defeated Fisk University. Wesleyan did not sponsor volleyball from 2006-2008 and went winless in its first season after being reinstated.
"Our ladies played together. They played well and with enthusiasm," commented second-year coach J.D. McAlister. "They showed they know how to play (the game). The team did what we were asking of them and they played with both passion and focus."
The Pioneers will try to make it two in a row tomorrow evening when they take on Brewton-Parker College at Porter Gymnasium on the campus of Wesleyan College. The match begins at 6:00pm.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Wesleyan Soccer Earns Tie vs. Tennessee Temple
The Wesleyan College soccer team picked up a 0-0 tie Friday afternoon against Tennessee Temple University, who defeated the Pioneers by a score of 6-2 in their season opener.
The game marked the first time in 25 matches that the team has had a shutout, which came in a 1-0 victory over Johnson Bible College on October 10, 2008.
"We came together as a team, fought through some injuries and worked hard, so I'm really proud of the team," stated Pioneers head coach Michael Spivey. "The girls are on cloud nine since they lost to Tennessee Temple earlier this season, and they are starting to see their hard work pay off."
The Pioneers return to the pitch on Saturday, September 25 when they travel to Judson College.
The game marked the first time in 25 matches that the team has had a shutout, which came in a 1-0 victory over Johnson Bible College on October 10, 2008.
"We came together as a team, fought through some injuries and worked hard, so I'm really proud of the team," stated Pioneers head coach Michael Spivey. "The girls are on cloud nine since they lost to Tennessee Temple earlier this season, and they are starting to see their hard work pay off."
The Pioneers return to the pitch on Saturday, September 25 when they travel to Judson College.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Epperson Wins GSAC Player of the Week Honors
Wesleyan senior Emily Epperson was named the Great South Athletic Conference Women's Soccer Player of the Week for the week ending Sept.12.She will add to her total once again when the Pioneers return to action against Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tenn on Friday, Sept. 17.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Wesleyan Volleyball Swept in Mid-Week Double Header
The Wesleyan College volleyball team was swept in a mid-week double header, losing to host Oglethorpe University and Brewton-Parker College.
The Pioneers fell to Brewton-Parker by a score of 12-25, 8-25, 10-25 in the first match of the day and later to Oglethorpe University by a score of 8-25, 7-25, 12-25.
The Pioneers return to the court on Tuesday, September 21 when they host Atlanta Christian College at Porter Gymnasium. The match begins at 6:00pm.
The Pioneers fell to Brewton-Parker by a score of 12-25, 8-25, 10-25 in the first match of the day and later to Oglethorpe University by a score of 8-25, 7-25, 12-25.
The Pioneers return to the court on Tuesday, September 21 when they host Atlanta Christian College at Porter Gymnasium. The match begins at 6:00pm.
Entire Team Improves Times at GSW Remberance Run
All six runners improved their time over the season opener as Wesleyan cross country competed at the GSW Remembrance Run on Saturday [FULL RESULTS].
Belle Thomas paced the Pioneers again, nearly breaking the 23-minute mark on the 5K course to finish 32nd overall.
As a team, the Pioneers placed eighth in a meet loaded with NCAA Division II competition and JUCO power Darton College.
Belle Thomas paced the Pioneers again, nearly breaking the 23-minute mark on the 5K course to finish 32nd overall.
As a team, the Pioneers placed eighth in a meet loaded with NCAA Division II competition and JUCO power Darton College.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Wesleyan Soccer Falls to Covenant
Wesleyan College goalkeeper Emily Epperson recorded 19 saves in the Pioneers 7-0 loss to Covenant College on Saturday afternoon. Covenant sent a barage of shots her way, piling up 47 total against the Pioneer defense.
Covenant, who will join the Great South Athletic Conference next season, held Wesleyan without a shot in the match.
"We are still trying to learn how to be consistent. We play really good defense for stretches and then give up an easy goal, so we still have some things to work on. But Covenant was a really talented team with a lot of depth and that's the direction we are trying to take our program."
__________________________________________________________
NCAA Division III Career Saves Leaders (Name / School / Years / Games / Saves)
1. Amanda Cobb, New Jersey City 1997-00 66 1,114
2. Sara Jesuit, Marian (WI) 1999-02 72 973
3. Tracy Dolence, Lake Erie 1998-01 78 954
4. *Emily Epperson, Wesleyan 2007- 55 921
_________________________________________________________
The Pioneers return to the pitch on Friday, September 17 when they travel to Tennessee Temple. The Crusaders defeated Wesleyan 6-2 in the season opener, so the Pioneers will be looking to even the score. Kick-off is set for 4:00pm.
Covenant, who will join the Great South Athletic Conference next season, held Wesleyan without a shot in the match.
"We are still trying to learn how to be consistent. We play really good defense for stretches and then give up an easy goal, so we still have some things to work on. But Covenant was a really talented team with a lot of depth and that's the direction we are trying to take our program."
__________________________________________________________
NCAA Division III Career Saves Leaders (Name / School / Years / Games / Saves)
1. Amanda Cobb, New Jersey City 1997-00 66 1,114
2. Sara Jesuit, Marian (WI) 1999-02 72 973
3. Tracy Dolence, Lake Erie 1998-01 78 954
4. *Emily Epperson, Wesleyan 2007- 55 921
_________________________________________________________
The Pioneers return to the pitch on Friday, September 17 when they travel to Tennessee Temple. The Crusaders defeated Wesleyan 6-2 in the season opener, so the Pioneers will be looking to even the score. Kick-off is set for 4:00pm.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Thomas Tabbed GSAC Runner of the Week
Thomas finished fifth overall in a time of 23:25 at the Darton Invitational. The Pioneers placed third in the meet, the team's best finish in program history.
Thomas and her teammates return to action on Saturday at the Remembrance Run hosted by Georgia Southwestern University.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Epperson Eclipes 900-Save Mark in Wesleyan Soccer Loss
Local rival Atlanta Christian College used an impressive offensive attack in the first half on their way to handing Wesleyan College soccer a 6-0 loss [BOX SCORE] at the Mathews Athletic Complex.
Senior goalkeeper Emily Epperson continued her march through the NCAA Division III record book, turning away nine more shots in the loss. Epperson ran her career total to 902 saves, becoming just the sixth player in NCAA history and fourth in Division III history to surpass the 900-save plateau. She currently stands 53 saves behind third place in D-III history.
__________________________________________________________
NCAA Division III Career Saves Leaders (Name / School / Years / Games / Saves)
Two goals in the opening four minutes of the match stunned the Pioneers (0-2-0). Kara Banister scored three first half goals to help lift the Chargers (5-1-1) to a 5-0 lead at the intermission.
Wesleyan managed to regroup at halftime and produced the type of defensive effort anticipated from the team. ACC managed just one goal in the second half, collecting that score in the 88th minute.
"I was pleased with our increased level of fitness in the second half and our competitiveness on 50-50 balls," said head coach Michael Spivey. "We have to learn to come out of the gates faster and not surrender those early goals."
Forward Azea Mustafa again provided the offensive spark for the Pioneers. The team's leading returning scorer launched a team-best five shots.
Wesleyan returns to the field on Saturday when they face future GSAC rival Covenant College on Lookout Mountain.
Senior goalkeeper Emily Epperson continued her march through the NCAA Division III record book, turning away nine more shots in the loss. Epperson ran her career total to 902 saves, becoming just the sixth player in NCAA history and fourth in Division III history to surpass the 900-save plateau. She currently stands 53 saves behind third place in D-III history.
__________________________________________________________
NCAA Division III Career Saves Leaders (Name / School / Years / Games / Saves)
- Amanda Cobb, New Jersey City 1997-00 66 1,114
- Sara Jesuit, Marian (WI) 1999-02 72 973
- Tracy Dolence, Lake Erie 1998-01 78 954
- *Emily Epperson, Wesleyan 2007- 55 902
Two goals in the opening four minutes of the match stunned the Pioneers (0-2-0). Kara Banister scored three first half goals to help lift the Chargers (5-1-1) to a 5-0 lead at the intermission.
Wesleyan managed to regroup at halftime and produced the type of defensive effort anticipated from the team. ACC managed just one goal in the second half, collecting that score in the 88th minute.
"I was pleased with our increased level of fitness in the second half and our competitiveness on 50-50 balls," said head coach Michael Spivey. "We have to learn to come out of the gates faster and not surrender those early goals."
Forward Azea Mustafa again provided the offensive spark for the Pioneers. The team's leading returning scorer launched a team-best five shots.
Wesleyan returns to the field on Saturday when they face future GSAC rival Covenant College on Lookout Mountain.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Epperson Closing in on NCAA Mark
Epperson Closing in on NCAA Mark
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Eight Newcomers Debut in Soccer Season-Opening Loss
The Wesleyan College soccer team opened the 2010 season with a 6-2 loss [BOX SCORE] to Tennessee Temple University (2-3) on Saturday night.
See a photo gallery from tonight's game.
The Pioneers started eight newcomers in the season debut. Last year's leading scorer Azea Mustafa picked up right where she left off, scoring a goal in the 33rd minute off a free kick, while sophomore Chanyka Palmer scored her first collegiate goal in the 81st minute.
"We are still working on our continuity, trying to get our newcomers and returners working as a cohesive unit," stated second-year head coach Michael Spivey. "We had a few other opportunities to score tonight, so we will take several positives away from this game to prepare for our game on Wednesday."
Senior goalkeeper Emily Epperson tallied nine saves, bumping her career total to 893 saves, just 61 away from taking over third place in D-III history. For the Crusaders, freshman Diana Martinez accounted for four of the team's six goals.
The Pioneers return to the pitch on Wednesday, Sept. 8 to face off with Atlanta Christian College at the Mathews Athletic Complex. Kick-off is at 7:00pm.
Follow the Pioneers on Twitter at Twitter.com/GoWesleyan.
See a photo gallery from tonight's game.
The Pioneers started eight newcomers in the season debut. Last year's leading scorer Azea Mustafa picked up right where she left off, scoring a goal in the 33rd minute off a free kick, while sophomore Chanyka Palmer scored her first collegiate goal in the 81st minute.
"We are still working on our continuity, trying to get our newcomers and returners working as a cohesive unit," stated second-year head coach Michael Spivey. "We had a few other opportunities to score tonight, so we will take several positives away from this game to prepare for our game on Wednesday."
Senior goalkeeper Emily Epperson tallied nine saves, bumping her career total to 893 saves, just 61 away from taking over third place in D-III history. For the Crusaders, freshman Diana Martinez accounted for four of the team's six goals.
The Pioneers return to the pitch on Wednesday, Sept. 8 to face off with Atlanta Christian College at the Mathews Athletic Complex. Kick-off is at 7:00pm.
Follow the Pioneers on Twitter at Twitter.com/GoWesleyan.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Soccer Eyes Return to GSAC Tournament in 2010
Under second-year head coach Michael Spivey, the Wesleyan soccer team will be looking to establish an identity early in the year that will carry the team to a post-season appearance. The road to the GSAC Tournament starts on Saturday when the Pioneers host Tennessee Temple at the Mathews Athletic Complex.
Follow Wesleyan athletics at Twitter.com/GoWesleyan
Key Returners
Emily Epperson, Senior, Goalkeeper
Epperson ranks fourth in NCAA Division III history in career saves and is the Great South Athletic Conference career record holder.
Azea Mustafa, Junior, Forward
Mustafa led the team in goals (3) last season and will be the focal point of the offense again this year.
Team Strengths
- A solid defense
- Never-say-stop attitude across the team
- Getting the inexperienced group up to speed
- Team continuity
Wesleyan expects to compete in every match this year to the final minute and qualify for the conference playoffs at the end of the season. Maryville College has won nine straight regular season titles and has not lost a conference match in three years.
Worth Quoting
"Youth, experience and attitude will drive this team to meet its season goals in 2010. "
-- Wesleyan head coach Michael Spivey on the upcoming season.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Volleyball Debuts at Reinhardt College
Waleska, Ga. - Twelve Wesleyan volleyball student-athletes made their collegiate debut in the Pioneers' 3-0 loss to Reinhardt University.
Follow Wesleyan athletics at Twitter.com/GoWesleyan
A dominant service game made the difference as the NAIA-affiliated Eagles hammered home 31 aces, accounting for over 40% of the team's total points.
Captain Alaina Avera led the Pioneers (0-1) with two kills and three digs.
Wesleyan returns to Porter Gymnasium for the team's home opener on September 11. First serve versus Trinity Baptist College is set for 1:00pm.
Follow Wesleyan athletics at Twitter.com/GoWesleyan
A dominant service game made the difference as the NAIA-affiliated Eagles hammered home 31 aces, accounting for over 40% of the team's total points.
Captain Alaina Avera led the Pioneers (0-1) with two kills and three digs.
Wesleyan returns to Porter Gymnasium for the team's home opener on September 11. First serve versus Trinity Baptist College is set for 1:00pm.
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