Thompson and the Commodores Shutout the
Gamecocks, 2-0 10/6/02

The Vanderbilt women's soccer team recorded their first Southeastern Conference victory Sunday afternoon when the Commodores defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 2-0. The Commodores improve their record to 3-6 overall and 1-2 in the SEC, as the Gamecocks fall to 9-3 overall and 2-1 in the conference.

With the win, the Commodores move their all-time record to 8-1 against the Gamecocks.

Junior goalkeeper Esther Thompson picked up her first shutout as a member of the Vanderbilt women's soccer team, and her 18th of her collegiate career. She was solid in net once again for head coach Ronnie Hill, as she made eight saves (39 for the season).

The Commodores jumped on the board in the 28th minute when forward Erin Higgins scored off of a rebound following an initial save by South Carolina goalkeeper Elise Matthews. For the junior, it was her second goal of the season.

Vanderbilt controlled the entire first half from an offensive standpoint. The Commodores outshot the Gamecocks by a sizeable margin of 10-2.

Midfielder Michelle Bruntlett stretched the lead to 2-0 in the 60th minute, when she nailed a shot, following a save by Matthews, in the far corner of the South Carolina goal. For the junior, it was her team-leading third goal of the season.

For the game, Vanderbilt outshot South Carolina 18-10, while also having three more corner kicks (7-4) then its SEC East rival.

The women's soccer team returns to action at 7 p.m. (EST) Friday, October 11, against in-state and SEC East rival Tennessee in Knoxville. The Commodores will then travel to Athens, Ga. to take on Georgia at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Scoring

VU: Erin Higgins (Unassisted) - 27:21
VU: Michelle Bruntlett (Unassisted) - 59:22