Due West, SC – Southern Wesleyan picked up their first win of the season on Tuesday evening as they defeated the Erskine Flying Fleet in a 2-1 final score.

The Warriors had seven shots and four shots on goal in their first victory of the season.  Bryanna Pickens led the team with two shots on goal.  Pickens scored both goals for the Warriors, with both Cayla Hughes and Joy Namyst picking up assists.  Southern Wesleyan collected six corner kicks, five in the first half alone.  Samantha Benner played all ninety minutes in goal, collecting seven saves in the process.


 
Game Vitals

Final: Southern Wesleyan 2, Erskine 1

Records: Southern Wesleyan (1-4-1 / CC 1-2) Erskine (0-4 / CC 0-2)
 

 
Coach Meneses says…

"I am very happy for the girls and the team!  There have been a lot of changes introduced this season and things are definitely moving in the right direction.  The players have been working hard to implement a new system of play as they continue to build the new Warrior way and culture.  I am very proud of the work they have put in and this win was well deserved!  Our main goal here at SWU is to strive to become better disciples, students, players and people.  We will continued to Abide in Jesus in everything that we do!"


 
How It Happened

Southern Wesleyan attacked early in the game as Cayla Hughes crossed the ball to the top of the box to Bryanna Pickens.  Pickens got the ball over the head of the Erskine goal keeper to score the Warriors first goal of the season and give Southern Wesleyan a 1-0 lead just three minutes into the first half.  The Warriors remained on the offensive as Joy Namyst took a shot on goal, but Flying Fleet goalkeeper Kaylie Hayes was able to save the ball to keep the Warriors from extending their lead.  Erskine countered with a shot by Reagan Gibbs, but Samantha Benner saved the attack to prevent the Flying Fleet in tying the game.  Southern Wesleyan continued to attack as Namyst sent the ball back to the top of the box where Pickens sent it past the Erskine goalkeeper to put the Warriors on top 2-0 at the half.

Erskine came out strong in the second half as Becky Matthews and Gracie Rickman both took shots on goal, but Samantha Benner remained composed in the goal to keep the Flying Fleet from cutting into Southern Wesleyan's lead.  The Flying Fleet maintained their attacks, as Reagan Gibbs got around the Warriors defense to score to put Erskine down 2-1.  Southern Wesleyan strong with a shot on goal by Hope Robson, but the Flying Fleet prevented the Warriors from extending their lead further.  The Warriors went on to claim their first victory of the season in a 2-1 final.


 
What's Next

Southern Wesleyan will return home on September 25 as they host the Barton Bulldogs at noon on Childs Field.  The Warriors will then travel to Greenville, SC to take on the Bob Jones Bruins on September 30 at 7 p.m.  They will then return to Central, SC to host the King Tornado on October 6, and the Converse Valkyries on October 9.