KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Behind three first-half goals, the William and Mary women’s soccer team cruised past Akron, 4-0, on Sunday afternoon in its final game of the First Tennessee Lady Vol Classic.  Senior Cortlyn Bristol scored twice and recorded an assist in the College’s first victory of the 2012 season.  The win improves W&M ‘s ledger to 1-2, while Akron suffered its first lost of the year, falling to a record of 2-1.

In the opening half, the Tribe wasted no time in jumping out in front of the Zips.  In the 14th minute, Bristol netted the College’s first score of the afternoon off an assist from senior Kiersten Harpe.  For the score, Bristol elevated over the Akron defense as she headed the ball into the bottom left corner of frame.   The Green and Gold pushed its advantage to 2-0 in the 20th minute.  From just inside six yards, senior Mallory Schaffer headed in her second goal of the year off a cross from just outside the 18 on a free kick from Bristol.  

The half’s trifecta came from Bristol in the 29th minute, as a Zips defender deflected in her attempted shot on frame for W&M’s third score of the half.  In the opening 45 minutes, the College totaled 16 shots with six on goal.  Behind a stout backline and the play of freshman keeper Caroline Casey, the Tribe kept Akron off the scoreboard.     

In the second half, W&M kept its foot on the pedal as it generated frequent scoring opportunities.  The College capitalized in the 82nd minute when junior Audrey Barry netter her first score of the year with the assist coming from senior Erin Liberatore.

For the match, the College outshot Akron, 27-8.  W&M also held the edge in shots on goal, 9-5, and corner kicks, 8-1.  Senior goalie Carla Manger tallied five saves as she maintained the frame for the Tribe in the second-half.

The College returns to Martin Family Stadium at Albert-Daily Filed to host Richmond on Wednesday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m.   For all the latest on Tribe soccer go to TribeAthletics.com

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