University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
Women's Soccer Opens 2010 Season vs. ETSU on Sunday
08.20.2010 | Women's Soccer
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The UNC Asheville women's soccer team opens the 2010 season against East Tennessee State Sunday afternoon at Greenwood Field starting at 2 p.m. Admission is free.
Sunday's match will be video-streamed on the Big South Network starting at 1:50 p.m. Fans can access the broadcast by going to www.uncabulldogs.com and clicking on live video for a small fee.
Both teams are out to prove the experts wrong for the upcoming year. Asheville was a preseason pick to finish in ninth place in the Big South Conference poll, while the Bucs were picked to finish in eighth place in the Atlantic Sun Conference.
First-year Bulldog head coach Michelle Demko likes the way her team has worked since the start of preseason training. Asheville played one scrimmage and came away with a 1-0 victory over Appalachian State on Tuesday. Freshman Tarrah Tate scored the only goal of the scrimmage.
"We did some nice things against a solid Appalachian State squad," stated Demko. "Our work-rate was quite good. We battled the whole way. There are still plenty of things we can do to better but overall I was pleased with the result on Tuesday."
Demko looks forward to the start of the season.
"It's exciting to start the year," commented Demko. "We just want to get better with each match."
The Bulldogs go into the season a little short-handed as junior defender Mary Kate Tucker will miss the year with an injury. She has earned all-conference for two straight years. Sophomore midfielder Melissa Harris will also miss the season.
Asheville and ETSU always play exciting matches. Seven of the 12 matches have been one-goal affairs, including the last three times the teams have played. The Bucs spoiled opening day two years with a 1-0 victory. Asheville spoiled ETSU's home opener last season with a 1-0 triumph. The Bulldogs lead the all-time series 8-4.
