Apryl Goodwin, Kara Vezza, Kari Quinn, and Kay Harbrueger each scored to lead Georgia State over Winthrop 4-0 Sunday.
The win moves Georgia State to 3-0-0 on the year. State will have the week off and prepare to host North Florida on Friday, September 5th at 3 p.m. The 3-0-0 start enjoyed by the Panthers is the first in school history.
The Panther perpetual goal-scoring machine continued to beat opponents into submission by registering four goals. Georgia State has beaten their first three opponents by a combined score of 13-1.
Georgia State's defense continued to hold strong with outstanding play from the back lines. Sophomore Heidi Blankenship, who has not allowed a goal this season, saw her first true test in goal as the Winthrop Eagles mounted several scoring chances.
“Winthrop had some really great scoring opportunities,” said Coach Domenic Martelli. “We were able to survive it with some excellent defense on the road”.
Blankenship recorded her highest save total of the year thus far denying four shots. One especially tasking save required the sophomore to dive and stretch to send the shot careening off of the post. Another gave Blankenship an opportunity to showcase her leaping ability as she deflected a shot just above the crossbar.
Freshman Kellianne Collins also saw her workload increase on the road. Collins played nearly 30 minutes and came away with three saves and no goals allowed.
Apryl Goodwin capped a great weekend with a goal and an assist for the Panthers. On a through pass from Kari Quinn, Goodwin was able to get a toe-poke by the goalie who came out to defend. That goal opened the scoring in the 5th minute for Georgia State and proved to be the game-winner.
“Being able to score quickly, especially on the road is crucial for success,” said Martelli. “We controlled possession which allowed us to keep Winthrop on their heels. When we have that ability, we get more numbers forward and our strikers get a chance to do some damage.
“Given the opportunity, our girls do a great job making things happen to help their teammates score.”
Kara Vezza quickly added to the lead with a header courtesy of a Kristen McKillop assist in the 9th minute.
Kari Quinn added to her assist with her first goal of the season in the 59th minute, coming back from an injury-plagued 2007. The goal gives Quinn her fifth as a Panther.
Kay Harbrueger finished the scoring in the 65th minute on a no-look assist from Apryl Goodwin. Harbrueger leads the Panthers with four goals and nine points on the season, scoring at least once in all three matches. Her goal today is the 20th of her career, moving her into a tie for ninth place in Georgia State history. Harbrueger also ranks seventh in career assists (16) and ninth in career points (56).
“Scoring in bunches has given our team a huge boost of confidence,” said Martelli. “When you come to a facility as beautiful as Winthrop's, with a great press box, and a lot of fans and alumni, it can be a little intimidating. I think our girls saw through that and really rose to the occasion.”
