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Issue date: 10/2/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Kimberley Parker Junior Ashley Brown (18) attempts to manuever the ball past a Abilene Christian defender in Friday's 2-1 double overtime loss. The loss snapped the 'Belles six-game winning streak as the open Lone Star Conference play 0-1.

The soccer team suffered its first loss in seven games Friday, dropping a double overtime loss to rival Abilene Christian University.

The Lone Star Conference opener for both teams would mark only their third meeting, with ACU leading the series 2-1.

However, the young rivalry showed sparks of intensifying, no different than in any other sport here at ASU.

"To be honest, they've only had soccer for three years and ASU is 1-2 against them…not much of a soccer rivalry yet," Head Coach Travis McCorkle said. "Looking at the bigger picture of ASU versus ACU, they are the closest LSC opponent, and so it is a big game in every sport, every time."

Wildcats forward Julie Coppedge scored the game-winning goal in the 105th minute of the match, finding the back of the net through a mob of players.

The goal came after a free kick from Abilene's Alyson Thomas was batted away by sophomore goalkeeper Bonnie Wallace, Coppedge found the deflection and was able to score her third goal of the season.

After one half of scoreless play, Abilene put the first goal on the board in the 54th minute courtesy of Lyndsey Womack, her second goal of the season.

Shortly after, the Rambelles would tie up the game at 1-1 in the 63rd minute as sophomore Brandie DeBacker headed in a perfectly placed corner kick from teammate senior Christian Willman.

DeBacker secured her team-leading fifth goal of the season while Willman gained her team-leading fourth assist.

Willman would also move into a tie for fourth place with this assist on ASU's all-time list.

The injury plagued Rambelles showed signs of toughness, both mental and physical in a grueling battle with Abilene.

"We did have a couple more injuries last week to Melanie Peterson and Lucy Thompson. This meant some new players were inserted into the starting line-up. These players played more minutes than perhaps they're used to, but their job is to be prepared," McCorkle said. "I thought the girls did great with so many changes in our line-up and some even playing a position they haven't trained for. I'm not disappointed in the effort of the girls at all."

This Rambelles team doesn't intend on letting injuries stop or even slow them down in their quest to the LSC championship.

"Every team has obstacles they have to overcome. These are our speed bumps in the road," junior goalkeeper Melanie Peterson said. "We just all have to come together no matter the situation to get the results we need."

The 'Belles return to the field Friday, Oct. 2, as they host the Tigers of East Central University. Game time is set for 4 p.m. at the ASU Soccer Complex.

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