MELBOURNE, Fla. (Women’s Soccer) – Senior Kelly Whittaker scored the game’s only goal in the 33rd minute off a Florida Tech free kick, and the Panthers’ defense shut down Lynn for a 1-0 victory on Saturday at Rick Stottler Field.

Florida Tech (6-4-2, 2-3-2 SSC) earned a free kick just outside the 18-yard box in the 33rd minute. Senior Christina Edwards set up for the kick, while her teammates got set inside the box.

The referee’s whistle blew, and Edwards took the kick. The ball curled into the middle of the box, finding Whittaker. Whittaker, reaching her leg out, deflected the ball past Lynn’s goalkeeper to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead before the half.

FIT outshot the Fighting Knights (3-7-1, 3-4-1 SSC) 12-5 in the first half. Eight of the 12 shots were on goal.

“It was a very strong defensive effort by the girls,” head coach Fidgi Haig said. “We made a few adjustments in the starting lineup that turned out to help.”

Lynn was able to get two scoring chances in the second half, but FIT goalkeeper Paige Redmon did not allow a goal. The junior keeper made five saves in the game before exiting in the 76th minute due to a cut. Giselle Williams entered the game for the final 14 minutes to combine with Redmon for the team’s fifth shutout of the season.

The Panthers improved to 4-0-1 at Rick Stottler Field this season.

“Our focus is now on preparing for our final conference game [against Barry on Oct. 20],” Haig said. “The game is at home, where we have been doing very well this season.”

The Panthers will travel to Saint Leo on Wednesday, Oct. 17 for their second match with the Lions this season. FIT and Saint Leo finished in a scoreless tie on Sept. 22 at Rick Stottler Field. The Panthers and Lions will square off at 7:30 p.m. in a non-conference match.

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