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.
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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        902

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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.