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BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Shannon Wratchford notched her first collegiate goal as Campbell defeated East Tennessee State Friday evening 2-1 inside the Eakes Athletic Complex.
Wratchford's 58th minute goal eventually proved to be the game-winner for the Camels, who improved to 5-3-0 on the season. The 5-3 mark is the best non-conference start to a season since 2011 when Campbell started off 6-3 entering conference play.
"We had a really good week of training and the girls were really up for tonight," said head coach Stuart Horne. "This group is not difficult to motivate. When they are focused, we can be a really good team."
Campbell began the match with high pressure which generated multiple chances early on, but was unable to find early breakthrough. East Tennessee State generated a few chances of its own testing Alexis Connors multiple times in the first 20 minutes.
The opening tally came in the 31st minute for the Camels as Ashley Clark found the back of the net for her seventh goal of the season. Receiving a pass from Kine Thorsvik, Clark found Wratchford who played a give-and-go as Clark created space. She took a touch towards goal and buried a shot in the top corner for the tally.
Pressure continued to mount against the Bucs defense as Campbell didn't let up on the attack following the opening goal. Despite the consistent attack, the Camels entered the half with a 1-0 lead.
The Camels constant pressure earned them a free kick in the 56th minute inside the attacking third, but the chance went awry. Two minutes later, Wratchford found the back of the net for her first goal in her career. Payton Ormsby settled a Thorsvik cross and Wratchford was able to run onto the loose ball and slot it into the left side of the net.
"I am so excited," Wratchford said. "Coach Stu has told us about the Cinderella rule, but I think it will be difficult tonight because it was my first goal. I'm really excited and relieved."
Connors was tested in the second half on a free kick in the 72nd minute. A high kick came into the box and Connors deflected the ball off the crossbar, allowing a rebound, which was also stopped by the senior goalkeeper.
The Orange and Black showed consistent pressure throughout the duration of the second half after scoring their second goal, not allowing ETSU to gain any offensive momentum.
ETSU scored a late goal in the 90th minute as Simona Koren made a run through the Campbell defense and received a ball over the top from Delaney Griffin and put it passed Connors. Too little too late for an equalizer as Campbell stood tall for the victory.
Thorsvik registered her first two points of the season as she assisted on both goals scored in the contest. Her play throughout allowed the Camels to have high pressure in the midfield, keeping the ETSU defense on its heels for a majority of the night.
"It's amazing," said Thorsvik after collecting two assists tonight. "We worked so hard and we finally got rewarded."
Campbell returns to action on Wednesday Sept. 23 at home in its Big South opener against Charleston Southern at 7 p.m.
