It has been nearly a month since the Stetson women's soccer team (2-6-1, 0-2-0) played at home and it showed on Sunday as they dropped their fourth consecutive game 2-1 at Mercer University (3-5-1, 1-1-0).

“We are in a funk and finding ways to lose, rather than finding ways to win”, said Hatters Head Coach Julie Orlowski. “It is not due to lack of effort or intensity. We need a little luck to turn things around”.

The Bears opened the scoring at 14:04 of the first half when senior forward Catie Marshalek delivered a corner kick into the box that sophomore Erin Theobald headed past Stetson Goalkeeper Andrea Garavaglia. The corner kick was the result of an excellent save by Garavaglia that deflected over the end line, one of her six saves in the game.

“We played well in the first half”, said Orlowski. “We just didn't get enough good looks at the goal or quality chances.”

Stetson did take advantage of one solid opportunity as sophomore Emily Yero hit the back of the net from 15 yards straight out with her second goal of the season. The goal was assisted by senior Jessica Spencer, her second of this year.

After going into halftime tied 1-1, Mercer came out strong and controlled the second and held an 8-2 advantage in shots (16-8 advantage for the game). On a corner kick freshman Lauren Johnson set up freshman Kacie Hudson at 76:38 who scored on a header. Both goals for the Bears were on headers off corner kicks.

“After halftime they outplayed us in the midfield and in our attacking third”, said Orlowski. “We were pinned down much of the second half.”

“We have been out on four road trips in a row”, continued Orlowski. “Now we are going home for a while. We get to enjoy some home cooking, sleep in our own beds, and enjoy playing on our own field. Hopefully that will help turn things around next week.”

Stetson returns home to host Gardner Webb on Thursday, October 4 at 7:00 p.m. and Campbell University on Saturday the 6th at 2:00 p.m.