Winston-Salem, NC- The Salem College soccer team kicked off the 2008 season with a 5-1 victory over Hollins University on a very humid day in Roanoke, VA. The Spirits suffered several key injuries during the game, but were still able to come away with the commanding win.

The Spirits began the scoring with a goal by Tori Collier in the 8th minute. Collier followed up on a shot by Samantha Hubbard that was saved by Hollins goalie, Elizabeth Bills. The goal gave Collier, a junior from Raleigh, her 13th career goal. This goal ties Collier at the top of Salem’s all-time goal scoring list.

Tatum Justice scored in the 34th minute to give Salem a 2-0 halftime lead. The end of the first half and the beginning of the second half saw several Salem players leave the field due to injuries and the heat.

Courtney Sauer finished Salem’s third goal off of a cross by Kim Wisen in the 55th minute. Brittany Thurlow finished the scoring for Salem with two unassisted second half goals in the 60th and 61st minutes. Hollins got on the scoreboard in the 64th minute with a goal by Holly Cook, which was assisted by Colleen Thamm. 

Andrea Baldwin and Lauren Wisen split time in goal for Salem. Baldwin had two saves and Wisen allowed one goal and had five saves. Elizabeth Bills allowed all five goals for Hollins and had ten saves.

“I was very proud of how hard the team worked in this game, even after all of the injuries we suffered,” said Coach Jay Callahan. “The remaining players continued to battle, but we must heal up our injuries quickly to get ready for our two matches next weekend.”

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