Freshmen Carry Wolfpack Past High Point

Friday, August 26

High Point, N.C.

7:00 PM

NC State

1-0

High Point

0-0

NC State

High Point

8/26/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer

Box Score http://stats.gopack.com/sports/w-soccer/2005-2006/stw0826.html

Box Score

NC State's freshmen went to work Friday, Aug. 26, in High Point, N.C. In the Wolfpack's season opener, the group, which joined the NC State attacking arsenal to add some offensive power, did just that. NC State took away a 5-0 shutout over High Point as all four available freshmen contributed to the Wolfpack's goal tally. Three rookies netted their first career goal, including one each from Lindsay Vera, Mallory Schmidt and Ashleah Dingle. Schmidt also added an assist on a goal from Vera. Junior Carol Tognetti scored the game-winner within the first five minutes. Senior Lydia McBath scored as well and the Wolfpack completely stalled the High Point offense with a 16-3 shot differential. NC State will host College of Charleston on Sunday, Aug. 28, 1 p.m. at SAS Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.

"It was really a team effort out there tonight," said head coach Laura Kerrigan. "We were able to put some of hard work in practice into real-time situations. This was a great opportunity for our freshmen to get some confidence and also for the team to come together as we continue with the rest of the season."

NC State took a 3-0 into the half and never looked back. Freshman Mallory Schmidt posted an assist and a goal to help the Wolfpack take the solid lead. Junior midfielder Carol Tognetti gave the Wolfpack its first goal in the fifth minute after sophomore Jessica O'Rourke passed off from the left side. Tognetti collected it near the center of the box took two dribbles, turned to her left and chipped the ball over the Panthers' keeper Courtney Noel. NC State's next two goals came 30 minutes later when Vera took a pass from freshman Tami Krzeszewski and Schmidt on the right side. Schmidt then added a goal of her when she capped the first half scoring with a right side strike near the end line. She lured the keeper off her line and drifted the ball into the bottom left. Junior defender Megan Buescher provided the set pass to Schmidt into position heading from left to right down the center of the box. NC State's starting keeper, senior Kim Selz and the Wolfpack defense held High Point scoreless and did not allow a shot.

The second half saw NC State's offense fire off two consecutive goals within a two-minute span. Freshman Ashleah Dingle blasted a 25 yard shot into the upper left corner after a nice setup from a combination play with O'Rourke and junior Megan Sadler. Senior Lydia McBath followed from the same spot and into the upper left as well. Juniors Mandela Schumacher-Hodge and Amy Graul worked to get a darting McBath open after drawing away the High Point defense. The Panthers rallied to record three shots in the final 20 minutes, including one on goal from Leslie Long, but the other two missed the frame. NC State keeper, junior Megan Connors recorded one save in the second half upon her entry to aid the Wolfpack's first shutout of the season.

Vera led the Pack with three shots, including two on goal, in addition to her goal. Junior Jessica O'Rourke finished with two shots and two assists. Tognetti, Dingle and Schmidt each finished with two shots.

NC State will host College of Charleston in the home opener, Sunday, Aug. 28, at 1 p.m., at the SAS Soccer Park in Cary, N.C.