ANDERSON, S.C. - Freshman Danielle Boltin's first half goal and a stout defensive effort lifted Anderson past Mars Hill, 1-0, in South Atlantic Conference women's soccer play Saturday afternoon at Trojan Stadium.
Anderson (5-7-1, 1-4 SAC) snapped the Lions' (6-3-2, 2-2-2 SAC) two-match win streak while breaking its own two-game skid and earning its first league win.
"I thought we put a more complete game together today," said Anderson head coach Jason Dowiak. "Britta (Widenhouse) controlled the midfield and her possession helped us maintain control overall."
Boltin's first career game-winner came in the 31st minute as the Anderson native worked free and her left-footed attempt from 15 yards out settled in the back of the net to give the Trojans the lead.
"Katelyn's (Conover) pass was nicely-threaded and Danielle's one-touch was as good as I've seen" noted Dowiak. " Danielle is a finisher and we know what to expect when she gets in that position."
From there the AU defense settled in, with keeper Kaitlyn Neipp collecting four saves, none more dramatic than her leaping effort to just deflect the Lions' Artavia Murray's shot off the crossbar in the 69th minute that would have evened the score.
Mars Hill outshot AU, 12-7, and held a 5-2 advantage in corner kicks. AU's Neipp earned the shutout, while MHC's Chelsea Parker suffered the loss, garnering one save on the afternoon.
"Kaitlyn (Neipp) has played well all season," added Dowiak. "I thought she deserved the shutout. Our backs defended with great commitment and they also deserve credit. It was a great performance and a much-needed win."
Anderson wraps up its five-match homestand by playing host to
Brevard College in a 4 p.m. kick-off at Trojan Stadium.
