MORROW, Ga. – The Clayton State women's soccer team marked the opening of their 20th season of intercollegiate play with a 2-0 win against the visiting Cobras of Coker College on Thursday night at Laker Field. Led offensively by juniors Jencilia Villaverde and Mara Marti Bartis, the Lakers avenged a 2012 loss at Coker.
"We are delighted to get our first win for the season," said Laker head coach Gareth O'Sullivan. "The girls played well but more importantly they worked extremely hard tonight, against a well-organized Coker team."
Villaverde scored the first goal of the match and season for Clayton State at the 15:38 mark with a joint assist from
Denisha Paskell and Melissa Hertherington. Marti Bartis added the insurance goal at the 39:42 mark of the second half as she dribbled her way for the score unassisted.
On the night, the Lakers fired off 29 shots while the Cobras managed just two shots for the match. Clayton State goalkeeper
Charlotte McCormack picked up the shutout win making saves on both shots on goal. Her Coker counterpart Lizz Morris made 12 saves on the night.
The Lakers return to action Saturday night against visiting Christian Brothers University. The 8 p.m. matchup at Laker Field will mark the first meeting between the two NCAA Division II programs. The meeting may be special for O'Sullivan who faces his former program that he led to an NCAA Division II title in 2002.
