RALEIGH, N.C. — Meredith College defeated the Averett University women's soccer team 2-0 in a conference matchup on Saturday afternoon at Meredith Athletic Field.
 
Averett (2-9-2, 2-6-1 USA South) attacked the net early with two shots from junior midfielders Annalies Jobsis and Melissa Sanchez, but both attempts missed the back of the goal. Undefeated in conference play, Meredith (11-4, 9-0 USA South) took a 1-0 lead in the 18th minute on a penalty kick from Megan Luke, and later on, Meredith McCarty nailed a shot from 10 yards out to ultimately take the win.
 
The Cougars were playing with two fairly new goalkeepers, freshmen Irania Ventura and Linnea Meyer, and neither one intended to step on the field as a keeper this season with Ventura listed as a defender and Meyer as a midfielder. With Meredith's 15 shots on target, the rookies only allowed two goals, which is a positive for Averett since Meredith is the top team in the conference and has won four USA South matches by four or more goals. Ventura finished with eight saves as Meyer chipped in five.
 
After a five-game road stint, Averett returns home on Friday, Oct. 23 to host Covenant College in a conference match. The game starts at 4 p.m. with a men's game to follow at 6:30 p.m.