Buies Creek, N.C. ? Stetson forward Tessa Gavilsky supplied the offensive, goalkeeper Andrea Garavaglia supervised the defensive, and the Hatters left North Carolina with a 1-0 A-Sun Conference win over Campbell.
Gavilsky, the second-year Hatter out of Granite City, Illinois scored the game's only goal in the 36th minute of play. Fellow sophomore Katie Bitetto (Jacksonville, Fla.) made a run down the left side and played a through ball that deflected off a defender. Gavilsky gained possession in the top left corner of the box and delivered a well placed shot inside the far post for her team-leading 6th goal of the season.
Stetson went into the half down 4-3 in shots, yet up 1-0 on the scoreboard. In the second Campbell once again had the advantage in shots (3-2) yet could not penetrate the Stetson defense for an equalizer. For the game the Camels could manage just one shot on goal resulting in a save by Garavaglia.
“Andi made some key stops especially coming off her line and fielding some crosses under pressure,” said Stetson Head Coach Julie Orlowski. “She has really excelled at that this year and continued today.”
Garavaglia picked up her third shutout of the season tying her for the top spot in the A-Sun in that category.
When it comes to the shutout, Garavaglia would be the first to credit her teammates in front of her for keeping the Camel attack at bay. Sophomore Kristen Higel (St. Augustine, Fla.) and freshman Courtney Jenista (Pensacola, Fla.) had particularly strong efforts from the back line.
Gavilsky finished with two shots in the game. Alexis Hermosa (Orlando, Fla.), Heather Berg (Fort Myers, Fla.) and Emily Yero (Orlando, Fla.) each had one.
It was not the strongest effort on the season for the Hatters who improved to 4-5-2 overall and 2-1-0 in conference play, yet it was an important win. Campbell dropped to 2-6-2 (1-3-1).
“It is a sign of a good team when it can go on the road, not play real well, and yet come away with three points,” said Orlowski. “We are looking forward to having a few days off before playing Jacksonville which is always a fun game.”
The Hatters will host the Dolphins Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at the Stetson Soccer Complex.
