GREENSBORO, N.C. – Reigning Southern Conference Co-Player of the Year Tabitha Padgett picked up where she left off last season, scoring what would prove to be the game-winning goal in UNCG's 2-0 win over East Carolina to start the 2010 season Friday.
Padgett, who was also the SoCon Freshman of the Year in 2009, took a pass from senior captain Katie Evans and lofted a shot over East Carolina keeper Christiane Cordero from 25 yards out in the 15th minute, much to the delight of the crowd of 1,032.
UNCG (1-0) would add to its lead in the 33rd minute, scoring off a set piece. Junior Jaimey Etten sent a corner kick into the 6-yard box, and freshman Kory Spotts nodded it home upper left for her first career goal.
East Carolina (0-1) had nearly pulled level in the 28th minute, as Amanda Malkiewicz blasted a shot from about 18 yards out that UNCG keeper Kelsey Kearney batted into the air. Kearney was able to track it down on the line for the save.
The Pirates had another solid scoring chance in the 72nd minute, getting off a pair of shots off a corner kick. Maddie Maurer's attempt was blocked, but Stephanie Shaw came up with the rebound and ripped a shot that Kearney was able to corral to keep the shutout intact.
ECU's last real scoring threat came in the closing seconds, but Chrissy Gratz's shot from the right side of the box found the side netting.
Kearney continued her assault on UNCG's record book, as the junior logged five saves for her 20th career shutout. That moves her into a tie for third place on the Spartans' career list with Paula Domitrovits (1995-98).
Cordero, a freshman making her first career start, allowed two goals and did not make a save for the Pirates.
The Spartans put just two shots on frame in the contest, but made them both count. Overall shots were tied at seven apiece. Padgett had a game-high three.
UNCG held the advantage in corner kicks, 6-2.
Padgett's game-winner was the sixth of her career. Five of her eight goals last season were game-winners, tied for the league lead.
UNCG returns to action Monday when it will make the short trip to Winston-Salem, N.C., for a battle with Wake Forest at 7 p.m.. The Demon Deacons are ranked 10th in the NSCAA Preseason Top 25 and 15th in the Soccer America Preseason Top 25.
AGATE
UNCG 2, East Carolina 0
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
-------------------------------
East Carolina....... 0 0 - 0
UNCG................ 2 0 - 2
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 14:09 UNCG Tabitha Padgett (1) (Katie Evans) - chipped from 25 yards out
2. 32:25 UNCG Kory Spotts (1) (Jaimey Etten) - header off corner kick from 6 yards
Shots: East Carolina 7, UNCG 7
Saves: East Carolina 0 (), UNCG 5 (Kelsey Kearney 5)
Corner kicks: East Carolina 2, UNCG 6
Fouls: East Carolina 14, UNCG 11
- UNCG -
