DECATUR, Ga.—Senior Caitlynn Croft (LaGrange, Ga.) celebrated Senior Day a first-half goal that ended up as the difference as Agnes Scott Soccer handed Wesleyan College a 1-0 defeat. The Scotties got into the win column in the USA South Conference for the first time this season, while Wesleyan fell for the seventh straight time in conference play.
Agnes Scott (4-9-1, 1-5 USA South) will continue its conference schedule on Saturday at Berea, who is also vying for that final postseason spot in the west division.
Agnes Scott completely dominated the first half, quickly piling up a shot every two minutes compared to only one shot attempt for the Wolves. The Scotties nearly got on the board in the second minute of regulation, but Carlee Dykes (Powder Springs, Ga.) made a nice diving stop to the near post on a shot from Jasmine Young (Albany, Ga.).
The Scotties continued to pepper the Wolves' defense, which finally yielded a goal in the 16th minute when Croft found herself wide open about 25 yards from goal. The senior took a touch up field and sent a perfect arching ball into the opposite corner from the top of the 18-yard box for the 1-0 lead.
Agnes Scott's offense was persistent for the rest of the half, but Dykes stopped everything that came her way to preserve a one-goal game.
The game shifted drastically at the start of the second half as Wesleyan's quiet offense transformed into the aggressor. After being held to a single chance in the first half, Wesleyan put up 12 shots in the second, nine of which were forced to be saved by keeper Abby Ackerson (Hoover, Ala.).
Wesleyan had better opportunities for a majority of the half, including two close-range shots from sophomore Fetlework Blitch (Wesley Chapel, Fla.). Blitch nearly had a goal when she got past Ackerson, leaving the net wide open. The ball bounced toward the right corner, but first-year Journey Bradham (Dunwoody, Ga.) got back on defense to kick the ball away from danger. Blitch had another good chance from the right side, but Ackerson got a strong hand on the ball to push it over the crossbar.
Agnes Scott finished with a 32-13 shot advantage, but many of its opportunities over the final 45 minutes were not dangerous.
Dykes made 15 saves for the Wolves, while Ackerson turned in 10.
Agnes Scott honored seniors Zoey Perchaluk (Fort Erie, Ont.), Aina Stratton (Lake Toxaway, N.C.), Alissa Wheeler (Bethlehem, Ga.), Emily Duncan (Toano, Va.), Croft and Young at halftime of the game.
