Panthers Pick Up 5-2 Exhibition Victory Over Titans

By  //  August 19, 2014

Panther Sophomore Eva Banton Scores Twice As Women’s Soccer Earns Preseason Win

BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – The Florida Tech Panthers took the field at Rick Stottler Field Monday night, as they hosted the Titans of Eastern Florida State in an exhibition.

Florida Tech Sophomore Eva Banton scored two goals, as the Panthers defeated Eastern Florida State 5-2 in an exhibition Monday night. Photo by (Amanda Stratford image)
Florida Tech Sophomore Eva Banton scored two goals, as the Panthers defeated Eastern Florida State 5-2 in an exhibition Monday night. Photo by (Amanda Stratford image)

The match was closely contested, but the Panthers sent the crowd home happy with a 5-2 victory behind three second half goals.

The Titans struck first in the match with a goal at the 34:43 mark of the first half. The lead did not last long as the Panthers tied the game less than three minutes later.

Junior Lauren Bolhuis, who missed the 2013 season with an injury, made her return to the field in style. Her goal tied the match at 1-1.

The Titans retook the lead with 16:50 to play in the first half. The Panthers however, managed to find another answer, this time with 5:35 left in the first period.

Fidgi Haig
Fidgi Haig

“I think this that was a very good first game for us,” said head coach Fidgi Haig.

“After five days of preseason with two practices a day, the girls were just anxious to come out there and play. There was a lot of excitement, and we played a strong local team. I was excited about how we approached the game. We fought very hard, and came from behind twice.

“It was a great workout for us as EFSC has a powerful squad. It’s super to have such strong soccer here in Brevard.”

Sophomore Eva Banton tied the game with a penalty kick after being fouled in the penalty area. The goal sent the two teams into halftime tied at two.

Kristin Howe
Kristin Howe

The match was still tied at two in the second half when Banton forced a turnover, and scored an unassisted goal to give the Panthers their first lead of the game.

Sophomore Elin Svensson extended the Panther lead to two when she scored off an assist from junior Kristin Howe.

Ty Rosemellia
Ty Rosemellia

The Panthers put the game away with one more goal, as senior Ty Rosemellia scored off a corner kick from Bolhuis. The goal put the Panthers up 5-2, which proved to be the final score.

The preseason continues for the Panthers on Saturday when they face Flagler in a scrimmage at Rick Stottler Field. The scrimmage is set to get underway at 7 p.m. ET.

“Our next game against Flagler is going to be another tough test for us, they are a good team,” Haig said. “However, that is what we want; we want to get tested early.”

SEE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FLORIDA TECH WOMEN’S SOCCER:

2014 ROSTER: floridatechsports.com/wsoccer/roster

2014 SCHEDULE: floridatechsports.com/wsoccer/schedule