August 28, 2009

Box Score

TAMPA, FL – North Georgia opened the season Friday afternoon, setting a record along the way as the Lady Saints played to a 2-2 with the 24th-ranked University of Tampa Spartans in non-conference action.

The tie marks the first time since entering the NCAA that the Lady Saints have played to a tied with a ranked team, having lost 3-1 to the Spartans last season in Dahlonega.

The Lady Saints move to 0-0-1 on the year, while the University of Tampa will sport the same record at 0-0-1 a game into the 2009 season.

The Spartans got on the board in the first half with a goal from sophomore Jazmin Perry in the 16th minute, while Samantha Kay was credited with the assist. The Spartans went on to score again in the 54:58 mark by an unassisted goal by freshman Sara Kneeland, registering her first goal as a Spartan.

With Tampa leading 2-0 with under 15 minutes to play, North Georgia recorded their first goal of the season as Casey Smith took a free kick and sent a laser to the upper left corner to cut the Spartan’s lead in half at 2-1.

With under 10 minutes to play, Kelly Penston scored her first career goal, taking a pass from Smith to tie the game 2-2, a score that would hold true to the final buzzer.

Tampa outshot North Georgia 20-7, but goalkeeper Jessica English recorded seven saves, not allowing a goal in the final 35 minutes as the Lady Saints came storming back to force a tie.

North Georgia returns to action on Sunday afternoon, opposing Barry University in the final game of the University of Tampa Invitational.