Two Goals from Wittick Seal Win Over Mercer in Home Opener

Friday, September 5

Statesboro

7 PM

Georgia Southern University

4-1

Mercer

2-3

Mercer

Georgia Southern

Photo by: Georgia Southern Athletics

9/5/2014 10:40:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Sophomore posts the goals in her season debut

STATESBORO, GA. – Two goals from Jennifer Wittick helped Georgia Southern take a 2-0 win over Mercer in the 2014 home opener for the Eagles. The Eagles picked up their fourth win of the season in a match that was delayed 75 minutes due to lightning in the area as pregame warm-ups were set to begin. Georgia Southern is back at home on September 12th against Alabama State at Eagle Field from 2:30 p.m.

"Mercer was a very physical opponent, but we kept our composure both on and off the ball," said Head Coach Brian Dunleavy. "We did a great job to keep possession and break them down in transition. I'm pleased that our players didn't back down and we won all of our individual battles."

Wittick's goal just before halftime staked the Eagles to a 1-0 lead in the 41st minute. The sophomore converted a penalty kick in her first appearance of the 2014 campaign. The Eagles earned the trip to the spot when a corner kick was handed by the Mercer defense at the mouth of the goal.

The Eagles got their second in the 75th minute as Wittick scored her second goal of the game and of the season. Nora El-Shami drove the corner kick to the danger area where Wittick rose and headed the ball into the net to double the Eagle advantage.

Georgia Southern's defense took over from there, denying the Bears on all of their 16 attempts. Goalkeper Katie Merson picked up her second clean sheet of the season as she earned her fourth win of the season in net.

The physical match featured 36 total fouls and six yellow cards.

Next up for the Eagles is a home date with Alabama State. The Eagles face the Hornets on September 12th at 2:30 p.m.

Georgia Southern Athletics provides up-to-date information on all its sports through its official website, GSEagles.com, through social media channels facebook.com/GSAthletics and twitter.com/GSAthletics. To purchase tickets call 1-800-GSU-WINS.