Leah Wood kicks Lipscomb to victory

by Ryan Hilgemann

August 28, 2012

Clarksville, Tenn. – Looking to get back on the winning track, Lipscomb women’s soccer knocked off in-state foe Austin Peay 1-0 on Tuesday night at Morgan Brothers Field in Clarksville.

“Great team win,” Lipscomb coach Kevin O’Brien said. “Everyone pitched in and did what it took to win the game tonight.”

Taking the first four shots of the game, the Lady Bisons (2-2-0, 0-0-0 ASUN) showed the host Lady Governors (2-2-0, 0-0-0 OVC) that it would be a tough evening.

“We had the best first-half performance of the season so far,” O’Brien said. “The soccer we played was inspired. Our attacking was very strong and we put Austin Peay on the back foot.”

Utilizing the only corner kick of the half in the 38^th minute, freshman Leah Wood put the Lady Bisons on the scoreboard as her kick sailed into the back of the net. Wood’s first career goal not only gave Lipscomb the 1-0 lead but also proved to be the game winner.

Despite being outshot 15-8 on the night, the Lady Bisons defense stood tall led by senior goalkeeper Erin Zerio, who posted her seventh career shutout with a six-save effort.

“The second half had a much different feel,” O’Brien said. “Austin Peay played some dynamic attacking soccer and their commitment to get forward put us under a tremendous amount of pressure.”

Facing 13 second half shots, the Lipscomb defensive line never wilted.

“It called for an amazing defensive effort from our girls,” O’Brien said. “I am very proud of how they dug in together to preserve the victory.”

The Lady Bisons placed five of their eight shots on goal led by Wood with two strikes on net.

After spending the last three games on the road, the Lady Bisons return home to face Chattanooga on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Lipscomb Soccer Complex.