MACON, Ga.- The Mercer women’s soccer team has announced its 2005 schedule that includes eight home games at Bear Field. Coach Grant Serafy’s young squad, which includes 10 newcomers, opens the 2005 campaign with an exhibition match vs. Lander University at Bear Field before hitting the road for four consecutive road contests.

“We are playing a difficult and challenging schedule,

MACON, Ga.- Mercer women’s soccer coach Grant Serafy has completed his coaching staff by naming former Harvard standout Kate Westfall as assistant coach.

Westfall, a four-year letterwinner at Harvard, was named First Team All-Ivy League four years in a row, becoming only the 15th player in league history to accomplish the feat. She also earned third team All-American honors in 2001-2002 and was named Freshman Ivy League Player of the Year in 2000. Westfall, a native of Johnsburg, Ill. garnered High School Parade Magazine All-American accolades heading into her collegiate career.

She started 13 contests during her senior campaign, leading the Crimson in assists and ranks second all-time for career assists (32) at Harvard. The 5-3 midfielder also ranks tenth in scoring with 48 career points. Westfall majored in history and international relations, earning her degree in 2004.

“I am very excited to have Kate on my staff,

MACON, Ga.-The Mercer women’s soccer team has been chosen to finish seventh in the Atlantic Sun conference preseason poll released on Thursday.

Florida Atlantic has been voted the favorite to win the 2005 Atlantic Sun title after receiving nine first place votes and 118 points overall. Gardner-Webb was picked to finish second followed by defending conference champion Campbell, which received one first-place vote. Kennesaw State, winners of the 2003 Division II national championship, has been tabbed to finish fourth in their inaugural year in the A-Sun. Kennesaw State, which also received one first place vote, is followed in the poll by Jacksonville and Stetson. The Bears are slated in the seventh spot after garnering 60 points in the poll. East Tennessee State, North Florida, Belmont, and Lipscomb round out the preseason predictions.

Last season the Bears finished in a tie for eighth place in the Atlantic Sun with a conference record of 3-7 and finished 7-11 overall.

Mercer will be aided this season by the top recruiting class in the conference to go along with sophomore forward Catie Marshalek who was voted to the Atlantic Sun All-Freshman team after tallying a team high 23 points on 10 goals and three assists. Another catalyst on this year’s squad will be sophomore forward Caitlin McDonald who chipped in with 18 points on seven goals and four assists last season. Also returning is senior goalkeeper Lauren Burch who recorded 53 saves while allowing 20 goals for a 2.16 goals against average. Sophomore goalkeeper Hannah Kosater gives the Bears depth at the position this season after posting a solid 1.72 GAA last year.

Mercer opens play with a home exhibition game against Lander University and then goes on the road to start the regular season for their first four games. The Bears regular season home opener will be Sept. 6 against Georgia State and will be followed by the first edition of the LQ Cup when South Florida, Longwood, and Francis Marion come to town.

With all the hype of this incoming recruiting class, maybe they can sneak up on some people and make a surprise run. i really hope they at least make the tourney and finish in the top 6. it would be a great confidence boost heading into the next year when they are all soph and juniors. the roster now is freshman and soph dominated. if they could learn to win a little they might be making a run at one of the top 3 spots in a few years.

Mercer To Meet Lander In Lone Exhibition Match

MACON, Ga.- The Mercer women’s soccer team will kick off the 2005 campaign with its lone exhibition match on Saturday, August 20, at Bear Field. Mercer’s first regular- season match will be in Columbia, S.C., on Aug. 26 as they visit the South Carolina Gamecocks.

The Lady Bearcats return 10 of 11 starters from last season’s squad that notched a 6-7-4 record and defeated Atlantic Sun Conference newcomer North Florida last season. Sophomore forward Jannica Finnberg, Lander’s top single-season scorer returns this year after setting a school record with 13 goals and six assists in just 14 games.

“We are excited to play our first game,

Bears Top Lander, 9-2, In Exhibition Match

MACON, Ga.- The Mercer University women’s soccer team defeated Lander this afternoon, Aug. 20, by a score of 9-2 in its only exhibition contest of the season at Bear Field.

The match belonged to Mercer as they controlled the ball for the majority of the contest. The Bears attempted 13 shots, scoring on four in the first period of action, as senior net-minder Lauren Burch shut out the Bearcats in the opening frame. The Bears’ Shelley Wegrzyn began the scoring with a goal in the 14th minute and just over twelve minutes later, Mercer put the contest away, scoring three goals in just over a three-minute span. Sophomore Courtney Maxey found the back of the net in the 26th minute, with rookie Meghan Castaldo scoring the first of her two goals less than a minute later. Sophomore Catie Marshalek ended the Mercer onslaught with just under 30 minutes gone, as the Lewisville, Texas native knocked home the Bears final goal of the half. Mercer finished the half with 14 shots while the visiting Bearcats were unable to record a shot.

“Overall I was pleased,

Mercer Visits South Carolina In Season Opener

MACON, Ga.- The 21st season of Mercer women’s soccer kicks off Friday night when the Bears visit the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. The match is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. at Eugene Stone III Stadium.

This is the first meeting between the two schools and is also the season opener for South Carolina, which went undefeated in two exhibition matches, defeating Davidson, 2-1, in Columbia, then topped ninth-ranked Duke by a score of 2-0 in Durham. The Gamecocks are looking to replace their two top scorers from the 2004 campaign, but start this season ranked 14th in the Southeast Region by SoccerBuzz.com.

Mercer defeated Lander University last week, Aug. 20, by a score of 9-2 in its lone exhibition contest of the season at Bear Field.

The Bears outshot Lander 23-4 on the afternoon and tallied six corner kicks, with seven different players scoring goals for Mercer. Sophomore forward Caitlin McDonald and freshman Meghan Castaldo each netted two goals for the Bears on the afternoon.

“"We are excited to have an opportunity to play such great competition as the University of South Carolina,

GREENVILLE, S.C. –The Mercer women’s soccer team lost to South Carolina on Friday night, 7-0, at Eugene Stone III Stadium.

Freshman Meghan Castaldo recorded two shots on goal for Mercer in the loss. South Carolina (1-0) out shot Mercer 22-3 in the match as goalkeepers Lindsay Thortenson and Laura Armstrong combined to shut out the Bears (0-1).

Junior Jessi Swaim scored two goals and added one assist to lead the Gamecocks. South Carolina was also aided by juniors M.A. Foster and sophomore Courtney Cobbs who each chipped in one goal and two assists. Rounding out South Carolina’s scoring was Ashley Kirk, Monica Hogan, and Felicia Schroeder.

“I am disappointed in the result, but South Carolina is a very good and well-coached team,

Bears Look To Bounce Back At UNC-Charlotte

MACON, Ga.- The Mercer women’s soccer team will be looking to rebound from Friday night’s 7-0 loss at South Carolina as the Bears visit UNC-Charlotte Sunday afternoon, for a scheduled 2 p.m. match.

UNC-Charlotte finished last season with a 5-12-2 record and lost four starters from that roster, but return sophomore Lindsey Beam, the 2004 Conference USA Freshman-of-the-Year, along with junior keeper Shannon Huffman, a member of Conference USA’s All-Freshman squad in 2003. Beam was the leading scorer for UNC-Charlotte a year ago, seeing action in all 19 contests for the 49ers. UNC-Charlotte has been tabbed to finish fifth in its inaugural season in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

The 49ers dropped a close 2-1 decision in their season opener to Davidson Friday night in Charlotte.

Mercer was unable to get its offense going against the Gamecocks, as South Carolina out shot the Bears 22-3 on the night. Freshman Meghan Castaldo recorded two shots on goal for Mercer in the loss.

Sunday’s contest marks the first-ever meeting between UNC-Charlotte and Mercer.

Bears Down UNC-Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C.- The Mercer women’s soccer team defeated UNC-Charlotte, 2-1, at Transamerica Field Sunday afternoon to even its record at 1-1 on the young season.

The Bears gained an early 1-0 advantage on sophomore Catie Marshalek’s goal with just under nine minutes gone in the opening half. Freshman Meghan Castaldo then notched the game-winning score with a breakaway goal in the 42nd minute.

The 49ers’ Nicole Labuda scored UNC-Charlotte’s lone goal with just under four minutes left in the contest, but the Bears’ defense held up, giving Mercer the win.

“I am very pleased with the win,

Bears Hit Road for Intrastate Battle with the Eagles

MACON, Ga. – The Mercer women’s soccer team will be looking to snap a nine-match losing streak against Georgia Southern, including five-consecutive road losses, when the teams square off Wednesday at 4p.m. The Bears’ lone victory came in the series opener at home in 1994.

Mercer (1-1) enters tomorrow’s match-up with some momentum from Sunday’s 2-1 victory over UNC-Charlotte. Sophomore Catie Marshalek and freshman Meghan Castaldo tallied first half goals, and senior goalkeeper Lauren Burch recorded six saves on the afternoon for the team’s first win of the season.

Georgia Southern (1-1) has faced a similar fate as Mercer so far, dropping a 6-0 road loss to SEC power Georgia and knocking off North Florida 1-0 in the opener of Eagle Field. Freshman Ashley Toussaint scored the match’s only goal, while sophomore goalkeeper Laura-Ashley Harris made seven saves to record the shutout.

Mercer head coach Grant Serafy expects a tough match against a young squad. “We’re hoping to continue our momentum from the UNC-Charlotte game,

Bears Ground Eagles; Snap Nine-Match Losing Streak in Series

STATESBORO, Ga. – With an evenly distributed offense and organized defense, the Mercer University women’s soccer team defeated intrastate rival Georgia Southern, 4-1, Wednesday afternoon. The victory snapped a nine-match losing streak in the series for the Bears.

Sophomore Catie Marshalek tallied the opening goal 14 seconds into the contest with an assist from freshman Meghan Castaldo, giving the Bears an early lead. Georgia Southern freshman Audrey Brown tied the match off a corner kick in the 7th minute, and what could have turned into a shootout slowed down.

After nearly 36 minutes of scoreless action, freshman Ashley Cook headed a ball home on a corner kick from Marshalek. The Bears (2-1) added to their lead in the second half with unassisted goals from Caitlin McDonald in the 49th minute and Meghan Castaldo in the 52nd minute.

Senior goalkeeper Lauren Burch only faced four shots on goals due to some strong defensive play. “Shelley Wegrzyn and Britni Combs did a good job of organizing the back, and played good defense throughout,

Mercer Continues Road Battles Against No. 17 Florida State

MACON, Ga. – After snapping its nine-match losing streak against Georgia Southern Wednesday with a 4-1 road victory, the Mercer University women’s soccer team is looking to extend its two-match winning streak against No. 17 Florida State Saturday night.

Mercer (2-1) carries a lot of momentum into Saturday’s match against Atlantic Coast Conference foe Florida State. The Bears rebounded after losing their season opener to South Carolina on the road, and have beaten UNC-Charlotte and Georgia Southern away from home. Catie Marshalek and Meghan Castaldo have led the Bear offense, each tallying two goals and an assist. Senior goalkeeper Lauren Burch has been steady between the pipes, allowing one goal in each MU win.

Florida State (3-0) enters the contest on fire after thumping Atlantic Sun opponent Jacksonville University Thursday, 7-0. Sel Kuralay has had an immediate impact on the Seminole offense, scoring five goals and assisting on two. India Trotter is second on the team with nine points (3 G, 1 A), while five other players have contributed goals.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to play such a strong program that competes in one of the best conferences in the country,

Mercer falls to No. 17 Florida State, 2-0

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Despite solid defense against a nationally ranked opponent, the Mercer University women’s soccer team was unable to get its offense on track. A stingy Mercer defense limited the Seminoles to two goals, but the Bears were unable to unable to mount an offensive attack after falling behind. The Seminoles claimed a 2-0 victory over the Bears.

Kirsten van de Ven opened the scoring for Florida State (4-0), taking a cross Viola Odebrecht in the 25th minute. India Trotter blasted a loose ball past senior Bear goalkeeper Lauren Burch in the 35th minute to give the Seminoles a 2-0 lead.

Mercer (2-2) managed only four shots in the match, with two of those coming from freshman Meghan Castaldo. Catie Marshalek and Ashley Cook took the other Bear shots.

The Seminoles controlled the tempo of the game, taking 33 shots and 12 corner kicks. Mercer had two corner kicks. “Florida State is very, very solid in the back and in the air,

MACON, Ga. – Following its fourth road match to open the season, the Mercer women’s soccer team opens its home slate against instate rival Georgia State Tuesday at 7 p.m.

The Bears lost Saturday on the road against No. 17 Florida State after putting together consecutive wins following a loss in their season opener. Youth dominates the Mercer offense, as sophomore Catie Marshalek and freshman Meghan Castaldo are tied for the lead in scoring with 5 points (2 G, 1A). Freshman Ashley Cook and sophomore Caitlin McDonald have also tallied goals for the Bears.

Senior goalkeeper Lauren Burch anchors the MU defense. Already in the top of four career categories (wins, shutouts, saves and goals against average), she has 20 saves on the season and a 2.83 GAA. With a corps of young defenders in front of her, Burch has steadied the ship and led the Bears to calm waters.

Georgia State enters the match on a down note, after seeing its 19-match home unbeaten streak snapped by Georgia Sunday afternoon. The Lady Panthers do not lack the offensive weapons, as three players are tied for the lead in goals with two and seven players have contributed with assists.

Mercer head coach Grant Serafy expects a tough match against the former Atlantic Sun opponent. “I expect a very physical match,

Bears Fall 7-1 to Georgia State

MACON, Ga. – The Mercer University women’s soccer team fell behind early and could never recover in its 7-1 loss to intrastate rival Georgia State Tuesday night.

Georgia State (3-1) opened the scoring in the 10th minute with Kari Quinn putting home a header off a corner kick from Dana van Winkle. After Kay Harbrueger moved the ball out of the right corner, Amber Collins-Cephers drove the ball past MU goalkeeper Lauren Burch to give the Lady Panthers a 2-0 lead.

Mercer (2-3) was unable to get its offense on track in the first half, firing only five shots to Georgia State’s 11. The Lady Panthers continued to control the tempo in the second half, as Nathalie Carter put home a rebound in the 46th minute to chase Burch.

Freshman goalkeeper Fio Lanfranco faired no better than Burch, as the Georgia State offense kept firing. The Lady Panthers put home three goals in a 12-minute span against the newcomer.

“I have to congratulate Georgia State for outclassing us and commend them for being a superior team,

Mercer Prepares for LQ Cup Opener Against South Florida

MACON, Ga. – After dropping its home opener, the Mercer University women’s soccer team is looking to return to its winning ways with a match against South Florida Friday at Bear Field in the inaugural Mercer LQ Cup. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.

Mercer (2-3) fell 7-1 to instate rival Georgia State Tuesday night at home, with Caitlin McDonald scoring the lone goal. Lauren Burch and Fio Lanfranco split time in goal, but neither could contain the Lady Panther offense that fired 13 shots on goal.

The Bears were unable to get on track against Georgia State, but the team has some firepower. Meghan Castaldo and Catie Marshalek are tied for the team scoring lead with five points (2 G, 1A). Senior goalkeeper Lauren Burch has faced a firing squad this season, but has 23 saves on the season and has a 3.17 GAA.

South Florida (2-1) enters Friday’s contest after consecutive home victories against St. Thomas (5-0) and A-Sun foe Stetson (2-0). The Bulls’ balanced offense features seven players who have tallied points. Jenny Mulvihill and Michelle Buskey are tied for the team lead in scoring with four points each.

“We’re excited to host the inaugural Mercer LQ Cup,

Mercer Falls in LQ Cup Opener, 2-0 to South Florida

MACON, Ga. – Missed opportunities in the first half and early second half mistakes cost the Mercer women’s soccer team tonight. South Florida broke a scoreless tie in the 47th minute and held on for a 2-0 win over the Bears.

Mercer (2-4) controlled the tempo and pushed the ball in the first half, but failed to capitalize on their chances. The Bears out shot the Bulls 6-3 in the first 45 minutes and took three corner kicks, while USF managed just one corner.

“Our attack wasn’t getting close enough,

Bears Prepare for Road Trip to Alabama

MACON, Ga. – After defeating Francis Marion last Sunday to win the inaugural Mercer LQ Cup, the Mercer women’s soccer team prepares for its final non-conference battles this weekend. The Bears will face Jacksonville State Friday at 7 p.m. CT and regionally ranked Alabama Sunday at 1 p.m. CT to complete their non-conference schedule.

Mercer (3-4) has a potent offense that has misfired at times this season, but is looking to regroup this weekend. Freshman Meghan Castaldo leads the team with seven points (3 G, 1 A), with sophomores Catie Marshalek and Caitlin McDonald tied for second on the team with two goals apiece.

Senior goalkeeper Lauren Burch keeps climbing the all-time lists. Her shutout against Francis Marion tied her for second place with 11 career shutouts. She needs three more to take over first place on the all-time list. She has a 2.49 GAA with 31 saves on the season.

Mercer head coach Grant Serafy expected competitive matches and Jacksonville State (1-4-1) and Alabama (4-1). “We face two good, competitive teams,

Mercer Falls to Alabama in Final Non-Conference Match

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – In its final non-conference match of the season, the Mercer women’s soccer team fell 5-1 to Alabama.

Mercer (3-6) came out firing in the first half, pushing the tempo through much of the first 45 minutes. The Bear offense kept the Crimson Tide defense scrambling, but was unable to score.

Alabama (6-1) broke a scoreless tie in the 29th minute when Allison DeLisle put back a rebound off a free kick. Senior MU goalkeeper Lauren Burch punched the ball out, but DeLisle took the rebound and put it past Burch to give Alabama a 1-0 lead.

MU had a goal nullified in the in the waning minutes of the first half off a long throw-in from junior Darcy Kibler that sophomore Catie Marshalek had apparently put home. The referee ruled that the ball had crossed the plane of the goal before Marshalek touched it, preserving the UA lead.

The Crimson Tide extended its lead in the 43rd minute, when Susie Beard put a ball past Burch off a header. The momentum carried over the Tide, as Alabama controlled much of the second half, scoring in the 68th and 79th minutes.

The Bears got on the scoreboard in the 81st minute, when Marshalek beat Tide goalkeeper Kara Gudmens. Freshmen Kaytie Vander Vos and Meghan Castaldo assisted on the 3-on-2 Mercer break.

“We need a player to step up,