Clemson, S.C. - Western Carolina women's soccer took another positive step last Saturday afternoon (Feb. 23), as they tied perennial national power Clemson 0-0. Clemson ended the fall season losing in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament, and earned a final national ranking of 10th by one national poll.
The Catamounts were able to hang tough with the Tigers for much of the match. In fact, Western had its chances to win, with near misses on scoring opportunities in each period. Clemson had the better part of possession for much of the game, and had many scoring chances of their own. Catamount junior goalkeeper Mandi Tinsley was able to keep the Tigers scoreless, making 11 saves on the day. Overall, Western learned a little bit more about what their potential could be next fall.
"Spring season is a time to build players individually," said Head Coach Debbie Hensley. "Many of our players responded very well to the individual match-ups that were taking place against some very talented ACC players. The confidence we take away from this match should lead to good things next fall when we face off with the likes of Tennessee and other well-respected programs."
While Hensley felt good about the result on Saturday, she also expressed that there is still much work to be done.
"We can't be satisfied with where we are right now," said Hensley, the 2001 Southern Conference Coach of the Year. "We still need to work on being able to string together longer periods of cohesive team play against a high quality opponent. There is still room for improvement, and spring training is the time to be focused on getting better."
The Cats were without First Team All-Southern Conference selection Jordan Howell. The sophomore forward out of Southern Pines, N.C., tore the ACL in her right knee in practice last Thursday. She is scheduled for surgery next week, and will miss the remainder of spring workouts.
Western will return to action on April 6th in Cullowhee, facing off with NCAA Division II power Tusculum College and most likely another opponent to be announced later.
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