ANDERSON, S.C. - Matching its longest winning streak of the season on Wednesday, Anderson University women's looks to continue its winning ways on Saturday when it hits the road to South Atlantic Conference rival Lenoir-Rhyne. Kick-off at the Bears Field is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
The Trojans
Headlined by four straight one-goal victories, AU enters the
weekend with a 10-1 overall record, marking its first double-figure
win total since the 2009 campaign when the Trojans finished 12-9 in
their final season in Conference Carolinas. With the SAC, Anderson
holds a 5-1 record and currently sits in a tie for second place in
the league standings alongside Carson-Newman. The tandem is chasing
Wingate, which has yet to drop a match this season.
Despite being outshot in its last three contests, AU's offense continues to lead the SAC in assists (32), shots (229) and shots on goal (130). Junior forward Idoia Agirre knocked in both of Anderson's goals on Wednesday against Newberry, as she continues to lead the SAC in the majority of offensive category including: goals (15), points (35), shots (52) and shots on goal (40). Agirre is an assist behind teammate Kenzie Van Heusen who leads the conference with six assists.
In goal, freshman Abby Helm has played in over 963 minutes and leads the conference in victories with 10 and second in goals-against average (0.84). On Wednesday, Helm totaled three saves in AU's 2-1 win against Newberry.
The Bears
Before the start of the season, Lenoir-Rhyne was projected to win
the SAC title following its regular-season crown a season ago.
After earning an at-large bid in last season's NCAA Tournament, the
Bears eventually advanced to the regional championship match,
finishing the year with a 16-4-3 overall record. This season, L-R
holds a 7-4 overall record with a 4-2 mark in league play, as it
sits alone in fourth place in the SAC standings.
Senior forward Leah Mullins has shined offensively all season long, as she ranks second in the conference in goals scored with 12 and in points with 26. Mullins is coming off her third hat trick of the season in a 9-0 rout of Mars Hill on Wednesday. The senior has scored in three of L-R's last four matches, as she is responsible for just over 29 percent of the team's scoring this season. Senior Garcelle Alequine closely follows with nine goals, while Emmi Dunn has eight goals on the year.
Three goalkeepers have seen time this season for the Bears, as junior Andrea Leano has played in all 11 matches this season. The junior has made 26 saves and has two shutouts on the year.
The Series
Anderson has failed to earn a point against its Tar Heel State
rivals since joining the SAC in 2010, as the Trojans are 0-7 with
two setbacks in the SAC Tournament. In last season's SAC Tournament
matchup, Emily Cowan provided AU's first goal against L-R since
becoming conference rivals.
