Hartsville, SC – Southern Wesleyan and Coker challenged each other in their opening game of the season.  However, the game ended in a 0-0 tie after double overtime play.

The Warriors had five shots with two on goal in their first game of the 2021 season.  Joy Namyst had three shots with two shots on goal.  The other shots came off the feet of Bryanna Pickens and Grace Williams.  Southern Wesleyan recorded five corner kicks.  Samantha Benner played all 110 minutes in goal for the Warriors, collecting four saves in the process.

 
Game Vitals

Final: Southern Wesleyan 0, Coker 0

Record: Southern Wesleyan (0-0-1) Coker (0-0-1)

 
How It Happened

Southern Wesleyan put the pressure on against the Cobras of Coker early as Joy Namyst sent the ball just wide of the goal early in the first game of the season.  The Cobras countered with a shot by Alexandra Brown, but Samantha Benner collected the ball to keep Coker from taking the lead.  Coker continued to attack the net, but Southern Wesleyan's defense stayed strong to keep the game 0-0 going into halftime.

Coker came out of halftime strong as both Catrionna Manning and Madison Sorrel took shots, but Samantha Benner and the Warriors defense maintained the intensity to keep the Cobras from taking the lead.  The Cobras fought back, but the Warriors would not be discouraged as they countered their every attack.  Joy Namyst controlled the ball and drilled it to the net, but goalkeeper Sarah Swain controlled the attack to keep the game tied.  Despite a late header shot by Bryanna Pickens that sailed over the goal, the game was tied at the end of the regular period.

The Warriors took the first shot of the first overtime period off the foot of Namyst, but Swain thwarted her attempt to prevent the golden goal.  Southern Wesleyan continued to press with a shot by Grace Williams, but the Cobras prevented the attack.  Entering the second overtime period, Coker pressed past the Warriors defense, but Samantha Benner got between them and the goal to keep the game tied 0-0.  Despite late attacks at the net by the Warriors, the first game of the season ended in a 0-0 tie.

 
What's Next

Southern Wesleyan will host the Georgia Southwestern State Canes for their home opener on September 4 at 3 p.m.  They will then travel to Greenwood, SC on September 8 as they take on the Lander University Bearcats at 5 p.m.  The Warriors will kick-off Conference Carolinas action on the road on September 11 as they travel up to Mount Olive, NC to face the University of Mount Olive Trojans at 1:30 p.m.