Published: September 20, 2008 11:55 pm      

MSU women roll to 5-2 win

Mountain State University’s women’s soccer team did not have a scouting report on Montreat College.

It wasn’t needed.

The Cougars went with their strengths — strong passing, smooth finishing and a gritty defense — to down the Cavaliers 5-2 at Paul Cline Stadium Saturday.

Sophomore striker Erica Alderman scored in the seventh minute and MSU never looked back in winning its fourth straight contest.

“Once we see we’re capable of good things, the rest falls into place,” coach Kelly Borck said.

Freshman midfielder Brittany Nelson launched a rocket over the Montreat goalkeeper’s head in the 35th minute as MSU (4-3) upped the score to 2-1 at halftime.

Montreat had equalized on a shot in the 11th minute by Alex Mash.

Another freshman midfielder, Jessica Proudfoot, scored from 10 yards out in the 48th minute to put MSU ahead for keeps.

“Those goals were huge confidence builders for our freshmen,” Borck said.

Alderman scored again in the 56th minute and made it a hat trick with two minutes left to play.

She now has eight goals on the season despite missing two games for earning a red card against Bluefield College.

“I couldn’t ask any more from Erica,” Borck said. “She’s become a better team motivator since the Bluefield game. She pushes the girls at practice and that reflects on the field.”

Montreat’s Heather Hable scored in the 74th minute, and the Cavaliers threatened to tie the score at 4-all three minutes later on a driving run by Brittany Zachrich.

MSU’s Christina Baker, last season’s Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference goalkeeper of the year, raced to the front of the box to stop her.

“I got kicked in the face and I hurt my knee, but I wasn’t going to let it stop me,” Baker said. “We didn’t know what to expect from Montreat, so we just came out like it was a conference game. We came out to win.”

Baker finished with five saves on the afternoon.

“Christina has been on, and that’s crucial,” Borck said. “As captain, her leadership role is important.”

The Cougars return to action at 5 p.m. Tuesday at home against WVU Tech.

MSU defender Ella Osborne, who missed the Montreat game with a concussion, is expected to return to the lineup against the Golden Bears.

“Tech will be a very difficult game,” Borck said. “I’m sure they’ve improved, as we have. It’s a good rivalry.”