VILLANOVA, Pa. – The William and Mary women’s soccer team captured the 2012 Villanova Invitational with a 1-0 victory over Seton Hall on Sunday afternoon from the Villanova Soccer Complex.  Freshman Nicole Baxter connected on the game-winner in the 37th minute off an assist from senior Cortlyn Bristol.  Seniors Mallory Schaffer, Cortlyn Bristol and Kiersten Harpe along with freshman keeper Caroline Casey earned all-tournament team accolades.  With its fifth-straight victory, the Tribe improved its record to 5-2 on the year, while Seton Hall falls to 5-3.

“We showed a lot of character”, stated head coach John Daly.  “Our defending was superb and our work rate immense. The goal came from a tremendous bout of inter passing. Cortlyn (Bristol) got to the end line and crossed for Nicole (Baxter) to slide the ball home.  Caroline (Casey) was rarely troubled thanks to the great work by our defense.  Seton Hall started the second-half strong, but we made some adjustments en route to a good win.”

In the opening half, Baxter netted her first collegiate goal after punching through a cross from Bristol in the 37th minute, giving the Green and Gold the 1-0 advantage.  It was Bristol’s fourth assist and eighth point of the year. For the period, W&M registered 10 shots with five coming on frame, while Casey kept the Pirates scoreless with three saves.

Seton Hall started the second-half with urgency, firing four shots in the opening five minutes of action.  However, Casey did not budge, as the Chesapeake, Va., native turned back Pirate attacks in the 67th and 70th minutes.  A stout defensive performance aided Casey as the College tallied its fifth consecutive victory and its fifth-straight shutout.

For the match, the Tribe recorded 13 shots with seven coming on frame, while the Pirates generated 15 shot attempts with six threatening goal.  W&M held the advantage in corner kicks, 4-3.  Casey played all 90 minutes between the posts, recording six saves on her way to making all-tournament team honors.

The College returns to action on Sunday, Sept. 16, at home against Davidson.  The match with the Wildcats is slated for a 2 p.m. start at Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daly Field.  Fans can follow along online at TribeAthletics.com with live video streaming and stats.

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