Fire Ants HeadlinesFire Ants Blast past Lady Tigers 8-0
By JUSTIN DRIGGERS This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it University of South Carolina Sumter women's soccer head coach John Borycki had a feeling this year's squad could be pretty adept at finding the net.
The Fire Ants proved him right on Saturday against Andrews after scoring six goals in the first half alone.
Sumter High School products Tammy Behney, Sarah Eades and Ashley Cotton each had two goals as USCS tamed the Tigers 8-0.
After having to compete as a club team last season, Saturday's win marked the Fire Ants' return to the collegiate win column.
"I mentioned to the girls after the game that it's really our first real win in over a year," Borycki said. "Some of them got it, but that's something we really don't talk about anymore. This is a good group and they're doing all the right things that make a team successful."
Even though Borycki knew his offense could be potent, he was still pleased with how well things went in the opener.
"We built out of the back really well, they combined really well and some of our finishes were more than I expected," Borycki said.
Behney scored two of the Fire Ants' first three goals, and Eades added two in the first half as well in her return to Sumter and to soccer after a year away.
"I missed it more than I thought I would," Eades said. "It's been great being back with so many friends and family members being able to watch me."
Eades added that she really didn't have any problems getting back into the feel of the game, thanks in large part to familiar teammates.
"I've played with Ashley since Dillon Park soccer," Eades said. "I've played with her and Brook (Foxworth) and Tammy all throughout high school, so we kind of already knew how to play together."
Cotton, another transfer who made second-team All Conference Carolinas at Anderson University last season, also wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Her first goal toward the end of the first half made it 6-0 and she added another goal and an assist in the second half.
Foxworth and Whitney Undertilo also recorded goals for the Fire Ants while Heather Smith, Kaitlynn Mahan and Brianna Shattuck each tallied first-half assists.
USCS also produced a strong defensive effort, allowing just three shots on goal.
"Anytime we can keep our goalkeeper bored, I'm really happy," Borycki said smiling.
USCS (1-0) returns to action on Thursday when it hosts USC Salkehatchie at 5 p.m.
Andrew Edges Fire Ants for win.
Posted: Sunday, August 29, 2010 6:00 am | Updated: 11:06 pm, Sat Aug 28, 2010. By JUSTIN DRIGGERS This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Saturday's season opener against Andrew College showed University of South Carolina Sumter men's soccer head coach John Borycki a lot of what he already knew.
His squad might not be as talented as last season's, but it has a lot more heart.
"When your heart is your biggest muscle, it makes you a better team," Borycki said.
The Fire Ants played with a lot of heart, Borycki said, but despite a strong defensive and goal-keeping effort, Shabaka Mathlin's second-half goal proved the difference as Andrew earned a 1-0 victory.
"We're a work in progress," Borycki said. "We've got a couple of guys that are down right now that hopefully we'll get back soon. I know the guys are playing for each other right now and they're playing for Chris (Brett)."
Brett was injured in an automobile accident last Saturday, and though still unconscious, he has progressed into a stable condition, Borycki said.
"I know Chris has weighed heavy on everyone's mind since then, and as soon he gets better, I think everyone will be in better shape," he said.
The Fire Ants kept pace with Andrew well into the second half thanks to goalkeeper William Wescott and some timely defense. Westcott made 20 saves, including several on breakaways by the Tigers.
"Will came up huge," Borycki said. "He kept us in the game and made some big saves, especially in the first half. Having that kind of play from your goalkeeper just builds confidence. We had some chances in the second half, but couldn't come away with anything."
Wescott wasn't alone in his effort, either. The Fire Ant defense was quick to recover from its own mistakes, helping the goalkeeper keep the Tigers off the board despite several wide-open shots.
"That's part of the effort you want to see," Borycki said. "They made a mistake, yes, but they busted their tails to get back and get the balls or help their teammates."
Mathlin and the Tigers finally broke through almost midway through the second half on another breakaway. Mathlin, who tallied nine shots on goal, just managed to get the ball behind Wescott on his lower left side.
"We couldn't finish in the first half," Andrew head coach Daniel Correa said. "We just needed that last touch around the ball to get it in, and fortunately we were able to late. We very easily could have lost 1-0. Give a lot of credit to Sumter and their goalkeeper."
Andrew finished with a 26-6 advantage in shots and the Tigers goalkeeper had just three saves.
USCS (0-1) returns to action on Thursday when it hosts USC Salkehatchie at 3 p.m.
Upcoming Events
Thursday, 9/2 Fire Ants vs. USC Salkehatchie, Men 3 pm, Women 5 pm Saturday, 9/4 Fire Ants vs. Abraham Baldwin Ag College, Women 1 pm Sunday, 9/5 Fire Ants vs. Tri-County Tech, Men 2 pm, Women 4 pm
Special Soccer Addition: Friday, 9/4 USC Lancaster vs Abraham Baldwin Ag College, Women 5 pm
Interested in coaching?Tennis, Golf, Cross Country
We are looking to add more sports to the Fire Ant's line up. If you interested in coaching our men's and women's golf, tennis, or cross country teams, I'd like to talk with you. Call Bruce Blumberg at (803) 938-3838 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.
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