LEXINGTON, Va. -- Another chapter in the book of hard-fought women's soccer battles between Virginia Wesleyan College and Washington and Lee University included a familiar ending.

A one goal decision.

Virginia Wesleyan's 14th ranked Marlins took a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute when rookie Samantha Sanders (Allentown, Pa./Fleetwood) took control of a loose ball and kicked into the goal from about eight yards out. 

After that VWC's strong defense took over and protected the lead to the final buzzer.  It was the seventh shutout of the season for the Marlins, who have allowed just two goals in nine outings. 

The one-goal decision was the 10th in 18 games played between the teams since 2002 and the shutout was the 11th.  Virginia Wesleyan owns a 9-4-5 edge in victories in those 18 games, including a 4-1-2 mark in the last seven meetings.

Virginia Wesleyan's defensive effort against the Generals (5-2, 3-1 ODAC) was anchored by junior goalieErica Keil (Wayne, N.J./DePaul Catholic), who recorded six saves.  She improved her goals against average to 0.28, which is ahead of the VWC record effort of 0.37 set by All-American Lindsey Williams in 2006. Keil also improved her saves percentage to .900, currently the second best in VWC history.

Washington and Lee's best chance to score in the game took plce in the 48th minute when the Generals were awarded a penalty kick.  But the shot by Haley Ward (Federal Way, Wash./Federal Way) hit the post

Both two earned two corner kicks in the contest and Washington and Lee finished with a slim 12-10 edge in shots.  Addie Healy (Waterford, Va./Woodgrove) recorded two saves for the Generals.

Virginia Wesleyan returns to competition on Wednesday, Sept. 26, hosting the Hornets of Shenandoah University at 4 p.m. on Foster Field at the Trinder Center.

--AMDG--