AUBURN, Ala. - The William and Mary women's soccer team defeated Auburn, 2-0, Sunday afternoon from the Auburn University Soccer Complex.  Behind senior Mallory Schaffer's penalty kick score and junior Dani Rutter's ninth career goal, W&M tallied the program's seventh win over SEC competition.  The win improves the College's record to 3-2, while Auburn falls to 3-3 on the season.  The win was the 350th for W&M's head coach John Daly.  In his 26th season at the helm of the Tribe program, all of Daly's triumphs have come at the College.

"We played two very good halves today against a good team," stated coach John Daly. "We settled down early and played with good tempo, connecting well all over the field. Our midfield was excellent and the backs defended admirably. Up front, Erin (Liberatore)  and Dani (Rutter) kept their defense stretched.  Erin was taken down from behind on the PK which Mallory (Schaffer) buried.  Cortlyn (Bristol) had a great run and released the ball perfectly to Dani for the second goal.  Auburn had some good possession later in the game but our defense held firm."

In a defensive minded opening half, neither team threatened with scoring opportunities until senior Erin Liberatore was taken down inside the box, generating a penalty kick opportunity in the 29th minute.  Taking the PK was Schaffer, who proceeded to score her fourth goal of the season, as the College went ahead, 1-0.  The Tribe ended the half registering three shots with two on frame, while holding the Tigers scoreless.

After Auburn opened the second-half taking three shots in the opening 10 minutes, the Tribe countered with another goal in the 59th minute.  Rutter connected on the College's second score of the afternoon after she went opposite post on Auburn's senior keeper Alexa Allen off of an assist from senior Cortlyn Bristol.  It marked Rutter's second goal of the season, while it was Bristol's second assist and sixth point of the year.

Freshman keeper Caroline Casey saw all 90 minutes of action in goal for the Tribe, as the Chesapeake, Va., native recorded one save en route to posting consecutive shutouts.  For the match, Auburn held the advantage in shots, 9-6, but the Tribe owned the edge in shots on goal, 4-1.

The Green and Gold returns to action Friday, Sept. 7, when it plays at Villanova in a match slated for an 11 a.m. start.  The match against the Wildcats will be the first of two matches for the Tribe in Philadelphia, Pa.  On Sunday, Sept. 9, the Green and Gold will face Seton Hall in a contest schedule for 1:30 p.m.  Fans can follow next weekend's action online at TribeAthletics.com.

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