DeLand, Fla. ? Led by sophomore Tessa Gavilsky (Granite City, Ill.) and senior Bethany Kiedis (West Palm Beach, Fla.), Stetson scored five unanswered goals to defeat Jacksonville University 5-1 Friday night at the Stetson Soccer Complex. It was the first time Stetson had scored five goals in a game since a 5-0 win over Lipscomb in 2006.
Gavilsky scored goals seven and eight on the season, including the game-winner at 43:38 of the first half. Kiedis scored the tying goal at 20:18 and picked up an assist later in the game when she delivered a perfect corner kick into the box to set up Kristen Higel (St. Augustine, Fla.). Kiedis' goal was her first of the season while Higel's goal was the first of her career.
“I am happy this was a great game for Kiedis,” said Head Coach Julie Orlowski. “She is one of the few players that remain from when JU beat us in the (A-Sun) Tournament Final in 2006.”
The Dolphins opened the scoring at 18:30 when Jelena Vrcelj (Jacksonville, Fla.) slipped a shot past Andrea Garavaglia (Webster Groves, Mo.) after a cross by Keri Zwicker (Woodstock, Ontario). It was the only time in the game that Zwicker, one of the top scorers in the A-Sun had a say in the offense.
“Higel drew the assignment of marking Zwicker and did a great job,” said Orlowski.
Starters Jenny Agranoff (Cape Coral, Fla.) and Alexis Hermosa (Orlando, Fla.) were also standouts in an outstanding defensive effort by the Hatters.
Gavilsky scored her second goal of the game at 55:55 after a lofted pass by Katie Bitetto (Jacksonville, Fla.) found her all alone in front of the goal for an easy flick to the top side. At the end of the night Gavilsky found herself tied for the conference scoring lead with 20 points (8 goals, 4 assists).
Higel's delivered Stetson's fourth goal with a left footer off the corner by Kiedis.
“The nice thing about that goal was that Kristen had been working hard all week in practice using her left foot,” said Orlowski.
The final goal of the game was delivered by Crossley Simmons (Winfield, Ill.). It was an unassisted blast to the lower left corner from 20 yards. It was the second goal of the season for the freshman.
“We have gone back and forth with Jacksonville over the past few years. It was nice to get a win in the fashion we did today,” said Orlowski.
The win raised Stetson's record to 5-5-2 overall, and 3-1-0 and a share of second place in the A-Sun. JU dropped to 5-7-1 and 2-3-0. Stetson will play again Sunday when they travel to North Florida to take on the Ospreys at 2:00 p.m.
