AIKEN, S.C.--Off to their best start in seven years, USC Aiken (3-0-0) took a 2-1 halftime advantage and made that stand up in scoreless final frame for a non-conference women’s soccer win over McMurry University (0-1-0) on Monday night. McMurry, an NCAA Division III school in Texas, is coached by former Lady Pacer standout Christy Cousins.

Natasha DaCosta broke the Lady Pacers into the scoring column in the 30th minute after being taken down in the box on a near breakaway. Awarded a penalty kick, DaCosta planted the attempt in the upper right corner of the net for the 1-0 lead.

Despite being outshot 13-2 in the first half, McMurry showed some life in the closing minutes of the first half. Heather Vosburgh shook free with 1:15 left until intermission and scored on a breakaway to knot the match at 1-1.

Not to be outdone, however, USC Aiken went back on top with just 22 ticks left in the opening stanza. Tiffany Taylor’s cross in from the right wing was sent in for the score off Robin Smith’s shot from 10 yards out straight on to make it 2-1.

The late frenzy of scoring at the end of the half, however, did not carry over to the second half with neither team finding the net. McMurry was awarded a direct kick from 35 yards out with under four minutes to play, but the shot sailed high.

For the game, USC Aiken dominated scoring chances by the tune of 21-7, although the edge was much slimmer in the final 45 minutes (8-5).

Jacquelynn Hart recorded three saves in net for the Lady Pacers while Marissa Beyelia stopped nine shots for the Lady Indians.

USC Aiken will put its perfect 3-0-0 mark on the line on Saturday, September 17 when the Lady Pacers host Georgia College & State University in their Peach Belt Conference opener. Game time is 2:00 PM. McMurry will travel to face Mary Hardin-Baylor in their conference opener on Friday, September 16 at 3:00 PM.

Women’s Soccer Game Summary (Final)
2005 USC Aiken Women's Soccer
McMurry vs USC Aiken (Sep 12, 2005 at Aiken, S.C.)
McMurry (0-1-0) vs. USC Aiken (3-0-0)
Date: Sep 12, 2005 Attendance: 75
Weather: sunny, 86 degrees

Goals by period.....1 2 Tot
McMurry................ 1 0 - 1
USC Aiken.............. 2 0 - 2

SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 29:37 USCA DaCosta, Natasha Penalty kick
2. 43:45 MCMURRY Vosburgh, Heather (1) (unassisted) - breakaway
3. 44:38 USCA Smith, Robin (2) (Taylor, Tiffany) - cross from right wing, shot straight on

Shots: McMurry 7, USC Aiken 21
Saves: McMurry 9 (Beyelia, Marissa 9), USC Aiken 3 (Hart, Jacquelynn 3)
Corner kicks: McMurry 0, USC Aiken 4
Offsides: McMurry 0, USC Aiken 5
Fouls: McMurry 10, USC Aiken 19
Cards: YC: Melissa Schnoering (USCA, 69:07)

Full Boxscore