Simmons Lifts Lady Rams In Double-Overtime

MOBILE, Ala-- Brianna Simmons' goal in the 102nd minute gave the University of Mobile women's soccer team a 1-0 win over rival Spring Hill College in double-overtime to open the 2010 season at Spring Hill's Liberty Field.

The Lady Rams (1-0) will travel to face Martin Methodist University in Pulaski, Tenn., August 26 at 4 pm.

The game featured few scoring opportunities, with Mobile putting only 5 of 19 shots on target, and Spring Hill putting 4 of 8 shots on frame.

But, Simmons made one opportunity count with a little help from Spring Hill goalkeeper Emma Pitchford. Pitchford went to clear the ball and a misfire sent it to the waiting feet of Simmons about 23 feet from the goal. She then took one touch and fired it over a leaping Pitchford for the golden goal.

The Lady Rams' Lorna Brownlie grabbed 4 saves for a shutout win in her first game in the UMobile jersey. Probably her best save came with just minutes remaining in the 1st half when she made a diving save on Sara Uptmor's ball.

Mobile had a few chances to end the game sooner, as Cheryl Edgar missed just wide in the 17th minute, Pitchford made a nice diving stab on Missy Stovall's shot in the 71st minute, and Stefanie Weaver just missed the far post on a breakaway with 4:30 left in regulation.

The contest featured four yellow cards and 20 penalties, while Mobile held a 7-1 edge in corner kicks, but did not threaten on any of them.