Sept. 4, 2002

NKU HITS ROAD FOR ERIE, PA.

Norse to meet Gannon, Mercyhurst this weekend

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - The Northern Kentucky University women’s soccer team, ranked No. 3 nationally in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America NCAA Division II poll, will play road matches against Gannon (Pa.) University and Mercyhurst (Pa.) College this weekend at Erie, Pa. NKU will play Gannon at 5 p.m. on Friday. The Norse will take on Mercyhurst at 1 p.m. on Sunday. NKU is 2-0 after defeating the University of Findlay, 5-1, last Sunday at the Town & Country Sports Complex in Wilder, Ky. Five NKU players scored goals in that contest as the Norse rolled to the victory. Stephanie Sandfoss gave NKU a 1-0 lead midway through the first half with a goal off an assist from Aisling Callaghan. Michelle Kelly extended the Norse’s advantage to 2-0 by deflecting in a shot that was assisted by Laurel Chalk. Callaghan, Bessie Black and Bobbi Meister all scored second-half goals for NKU, which held a 25-4 advantage in shot attempts and controlled the entire match. Sandfoss, Black and Kelly also added assists for NKU. Black and Sandfoss lead NKU with two goals and five total points. Callaghan and Kelly both have recorded a goal and an assist this season and have three points. Gannon owns a 1-1 record after defeating the University of Missouri-St. Louis, 2-1, last Sunday. NKU met Gannon last season in Wilder, Ky., and posted an 8-0 victory over the Golden Knights. Tricia Ruark scored two goals and had three assists to lead the Norse in that match, while Betsy Moore added two goals and had two assists. Mercyhurst, ranked No. 19 nationally in the Division II poll, is 1-0 after posting a 1-0 overtime win against Missouri-St. Louis. The Lakers defeated NKU by a 1-0 score in the regular season in 2001, but the Norse won the rematch during the NCAA Division II Tournament, 2-1, at Erie, Pa.