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CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Campbell claimed a 2-0 victory on the road at in-state opponent Western Carolina as mother nature made an appearance Friday evening causing an hour long delay to the start of the contest.
Ashley Clark tallied two goals in the first half, bringing her season total to six. Alexis Connors earned the shutout for the Fighting Camels (4-1-0), her third clean sheet of the season in four victories.
"It was a very good performance based on the quick turnaround," said head coach Stuart Horne whose team played at home contest 48 hours prior to Friday's match. "We are more than happy with our play tonight and getting the win always helps. We played very well tonight against a very good Western Carolina team."
In the 12th minute, Clark found the lower left corner of the net from 22 yards away. She created space away from the defender after receiving a long pass from Payton Ormsby. Clark was then able to slot a clinical left-footed finish passed Western Carolina goalkeeper Carly Tinstman.
18 minutes later Clark's pressure on the Catamount backline allowed her to bury her second goal of the evening and sixth of the season. The Catamount central defender played a ball back to Tinstman but Clark's speed allowed her to reach the misplayed pass before the goalkeeper and capitalize on the opportunity.
Campbell finished the first half with five total shots, all of which reached target. Each team recorded two corner kicks in the opening frame of the match.
Western Carolina applied pressure in the second half but was unable to find the break through against Connors. Connors recorded two saves in the second half and was called into action multiple times throughout. The Camels goalkeeper and strong defensive effort weathered the storm of the Catamount attack and the six corner kicks they earned in the second half.
"The back four played well tonight," Horne said. "Murita Storey had a very good game going forward on the attack. Cydney Smith played one of her better games as an outside back. She was very composed and strong in one-on-one action. Bailee Johnston came up with good stops throughout the match. Anna Brantley did an excellent job tonight. She was covering well, helped on double teams and made smart decisions throughout."
Campbell had multiple chances to build on its lead in the second half, but resorted to a strong defensive effort and possession to solidify its fourth victory of the campaign. The Camels back four of Johnston, Smith, Brantley and Storey all recorded 90 minutes in the strong defensive showing.
Clark finished the contest with six shots and four reaching target, both game-highs. Alongside her assist, Ormsby notched two shots, with one reaching frame. Connors notched four saves, the same as her counterpart Tinstman.
Campbell has the upcoming midweek away from action, before they hit the road again for the UNCW Hilton Garden Inn Mayfaire Invitational on Friday versus St. Johns at 5 p.m. then Sunday versus the host school at 2:30 p.m.
