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Lady Saints open soccer season with victory
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| Former Lumpkin standout Kelly Orear got off five shots in the win over St. Andrew’s on Sunday in Gainesville. (Staff photo/DAVID BEALL) |
By David Beall
The Lady Saints got the 2007 season off to the great start with a 1-0 Sunday afternoon victory over St. Andrews.
Just ten minutes had ticked off the clock in the Lady Saints' season before a lightning delay cleared the field for nearly two hours.
The rain poured down steadily when play finally resumed and both teams fought to a 0-0 draw at the half.
“It's early in the season and obviously we aren't clicking on all cylinders,” head coach Chris Adams said.
“But we have been doing the things well that we have worked on,
Part of the challenge for Adams and his staff is finding a way to work 11 newcomers into the mix with the returning players from last year's team.
So far, so good.
With ten minutes to play in the game, the Knights committed a foul just outside the box to set up a free kick, which Casey Smith took full advantage of and drilled into the back of the net for her first collegiate goal.
“The outstanding set piece she hit was difference of the game,” Adams said.
Smith, originally a midfielder, was moved to back to help sure up the defense, but ironically scored the lone goal of the game.
“We really appreciate her willingness to do what is in the best interest of the team and play in the back for right now.”
Jessica English stepped up in goal for North Georgia and became the first freshman to record a shutout for the Lady Saints in a season opener as she recorded three saves in the win.
“I thought Jessica played very well,” Adams said. “Her shot stopping ability is outstanding. She is in a leadership position, and we want her, even though she is only a freshman, to be more vocal and little more of a leader in the back.”
Senior Kelly Orear had her chances during the opener with five shots but was unable to find the back of the net. “She is a senior all conference player for us and we are expecting big things from her, Adams said.”
Orear will look to build on her four career goals as she begins her last season of collegiate competition.
Adams has the luxury of looking to the bench, not only to eat up minutes, but also to step in and make an immediate impact.
“We are deep,” Adams said. “Now that we have aspirations of post-season, we want to keep bodies fresh for the end of the season.
Eighteen players saw action in the season opener, which allowed the coaching staff to get starters out of the game for a quick breather in the midst of a hot humid August game.
The Lady Saints will look to start out 2-0 as they host Limestone College on Wednesday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m.
North Georgia is currently playing all of its home games at Allen Creek Soccer Complex, a top-flight facility in Gainesville, until its field in Dahlonega is ready after a summer renovation project.
Just ten minutes had ticked off the clock in the Lady Saints' season before a lightning delay cleared the field for nearly two hours.
The rain poured down steadily when play finally resumed and both teams fought to a 0-0 draw at the half.
“It's early in the season and obviously we aren't clicking on all cylinders,” head coach Chris Adams said.
“But we have been doing the things well that we have worked on,
Part of the challenge for Adams and his staff is finding a way to work 11 newcomers into the mix with the returning players from last year's team.
So far, so good.
With ten minutes to play in the game, the Knights committed a foul just outside the box to set up a free kick, which Casey Smith took full advantage of and drilled into the back of the net for her first collegiate goal.
“The outstanding set piece she hit was difference of the game,” Adams said.
Smith, originally a midfielder, was moved to back to help sure up the defense, but ironically scored the lone goal of the game.
“We really appreciate her willingness to do what is in the best interest of the team and play in the back for right now.”
Jessica English stepped up in goal for North Georgia and became the first freshman to record a shutout for the Lady Saints in a season opener as she recorded three saves in the win.
“I thought Jessica played very well,” Adams said. “Her shot stopping ability is outstanding. She is in a leadership position, and we want her, even though she is only a freshman, to be more vocal and little more of a leader in the back.”
Senior Kelly Orear had her chances during the opener with five shots but was unable to find the back of the net. “She is a senior all conference player for us and we are expecting big things from her, Adams said.”
Orear will look to build on her four career goals as she begins her last season of collegiate competition.
Adams has the luxury of looking to the bench, not only to eat up minutes, but also to step in and make an immediate impact.
“We are deep,” Adams said. “Now that we have aspirations of post-season, we want to keep bodies fresh for the end of the season.
Eighteen players saw action in the season opener, which allowed the coaching staff to get starters out of the game for a quick breather in the midst of a hot humid August game.
The Lady Saints will look to start out 2-0 as they host Limestone College on Wednesday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m.
North Georgia is currently playing all of its home games at Allen Creek Soccer Complex, a top-flight facility in Gainesville, until its field in Dahlonega is ready after a summer renovation project.
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| Lumpkin softball heads to Ft. Oglethorpe, snatches three wins |
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For example, if Mr. Fill-in-the-Blank says something you don't agree with, don't tell the world that Mr. Fill-in-the-Blank is a no good dirty scoundrel who cuts off people in traffic and has owed you $20 since 1997. The Nugget asks you to please just stick to the issues at hand. That way we'll keep the debate lively, without getting personal. And remember, above all else, keep it civil and directed at the topic that's being discussed. We encourage your feedback and dialog, all comments will be reviewed by our Web staff before appearing on the Web site.
