Nashville, Tenn. - Stetson's dynamic duo of Katie Bitetto (Jacksonville, Fla.) and Tessa Gavilsky (Granite City, Ill.) struck again as the Hatters (8-6-2, 4-2-2) scored a first half goal and then held on for a 1-1 draw with Belmont (8-5-3, 5-1-2) on the road.
After earning a point today Stetson moved into a third place tie in the Atlantic Sun Conference standings with Campbell. The Hatters defeated the Camels 2-0 October 1 in Deland.
Bitetto's goal was her second excellent scoring opportunity of the game as she hit the post 10 minutes into the game. The goal came in the 38th minute after Gavilsky fed a through ball that left Bitetto 1v1 with the keeper. She tucked the ball in low near post to give Stetson the advantage.
Bitetto's goal was her fourth of the season to go along with nine assists. Her 17 points moves her up to fourth in the A-Sun in scoring. She is the league leader in assists.
With today's assist Gavilsky, a junior, is now just one point shy of Stetson's all-time career scoring mark of 70 points set by Kristy Porcelli (1996-99). This season she leads the A-Sun in scoring with 25 points (9 goals and 7 assists).
Stetson's lone goal held up until late in the second half. Belmont scored in the 80th minute when Annie Musacchio blasted a shot to the upper corner. It was set piece by the home team that gave Stetson goalkeeper Andrea Garavaglia (Webster Groves, Mo.) no chance on the play.
"This was a very physical match, a very emotional match on their senior day. I am very proud of how our girls played," said Stetson Head Coach Julie Orlowski. "Christina Cromwell played 110 minutes at center back. Between her and Alexis Hermosa who also played 110 minutes, they kept us in the game."
In a very evenly played game Belmont finished with a 13-12 advantage in shots and an 8-4 lead in corner kicks. Gavilsky and Bitetto each had three shots for the visitors.
"To go to Nashville, play in the bad weather, and come home with four points... I am very pleased", added Orlowski.
The Hatters have two games remaining in the 2009 regular season. This week they will host USC Upstate Friday at 7:00 p.m. and ETSU Sunday at 1:00 p.m.
The top six teams in the league will qualify for the A-Sun tournament. The #1 and #2 seeds receive a first round bye with the #1 seed hosting the final four. The #3 and #4 seeds will host opening round games on Saturday, October 31.
