Nashville, Tenn. - Stetson (8-6-1, 4-2-1) opened its Nashville trip with an impressive 1-0 win over Atlantic Sun Conference rival Lipscomb (3-12-0, 1-6-0). The league's top scoring tandem of Tessa Gavilsky (Granite City, Ill.) and Katie Bitetto (Jacksonville, Fla.) combined for the game's only goal.
Gavilsky scored her 9th goal of the season and pushed her point total to 24 points. She leads the A-Sun in both categories. Gavilsky is #2 all-time at Stetson for points scored in a career with 68. She is now just two points shy of tying the all-time mark of 70 points set by Kristy Porcelli (1996-99).
Bitetto set up the goal for her league-leading 9th assist. She is now tied with Carrie Lorenz (2003) in the Hatters' record book for the most assists in a season.
It was an impressive goal that started with Kristen Higel (St. Augustine, Fla.). The Hatters changed the point of attack by getting the ball out to Higel who then pressed the left flank. She delivered a through ball to Bitetto who then found Gavilsky for a header to the back of the net.
"That was a very good goal... An ESPN quality goal", said Stetson Head Coach Julie Orlowski. "Gavilsky was everywhere tonight creating the attack and Higel played great."
Stetson goalkeeper Andrea Gavavaglia (Webster Groves, Mo.) made a pair of saves and picked up her career-high sixth shutout of the season. She is now back on top of the A-Sun and up to fifth all-time at Stetson in shutouts for a season.
"It was great to see Andi get another shutout", said Orlowski. "She has been playing real well and has been the recipient of some bad luck in front of her. Good to see another clean slate."
The Hatters finished the game with a 24-6 advantage in shots and a 9-3 lead in corner kick opportunities.
The Hatters will have Saturday off to get ready for Belmont on Sunday at 1:15 p.m.
"Hopefully we take this momentum into Sunday for a victory over Belmont and another three points. It is their senior day so they will be fired up to play. After losing at home and in the tournament to them last year, a little revenge would get that taste out of our mouths", added Orlowski.
