Aug. 23, 2003

Cullowhee, N.C. - The Western Carolina soccer team ended their preseason with a 1-1 tie versus USC Spartanburg Saturday afternoon in a scrimmage at Schrader Field.

Forward Stephanie Svoboda pounded in the only goal for the Catamounts at 5:28 in the first period. The goal was an unassisted shot from 10 yards out. However, Spartanburg answered back when forward Lindsay Allen took an assist from Arkeita Smith and scored at 19:18 in the first period.

The Lady Rifles got off 11 shots in the match, while Western recorded nine. Senior Tina Weaver, the Cat's starting goalkeeper, recorded one save in the first half, while freshman Alesha Row started the second half and scooped up three saves.

"The reason that we have scrimmages is to see where we are at, and use the next week to try and fix mistakes before the season starts," said head coach Debbie Hensley. "I saw some great plays today as well as some awesome plays that I didn't expect to see. However, there are some things that we need to work on and there are adjustments that need to be made."

The Catamounts now prepare for the regular-season and are set to host the Georgia State Panthers in WCU's home opener on September 1. The match starts at 4:00 pm at Schrader Field. All attendees are asked to park by the WCU picnic area and enter the field by walking across the bridge.