VIRGINIA BEACH -- Kaitlyn Clunan extended an impressive sophomore season on Saturday, scoring two two goals to help lift Virginia Wesleyan College's women's soccer team to a 2-1 Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) victory over Bridgewater College.

A large Homecoming and Parent Weekend crowd was on hand at the Trinder Center to see Clunan (Virginia Beach/Bayside)score her eighth and ninth goals of the season as the Marlins knocked Bridgewater from the undefeated ranks in the ODAC.  While VWC improved to 7-3-2 overall and to 4-2 in the league, Bridgewater dropped to 7-4 and 4-1.

Clunan scored in the third minute of competition, giving Virginia Wesleyan the upper hand quickly.  The Marlins outshot the Eagles 9-3 in the first half and did not give up many open looks throughout the game.

But, Bridgewater found the break it needed in the 62nd minute when a foul in the box on VWC led to a penalty kick for the Eagles. Melanie Waters (Pasadena, Md./Chesapeake) took advantage of the open scoring opportunity and tied the game.

Virginia Wesleyan responded with an aggressive game thereafter however and dominated possession time.  The Marlins maintained a consistent offensive attack and saw it pay off when Clunan hit the game-winner from about 15 yards out in the 82nd minute.

Virgnia Wesleyan finished with an 18-9 advantage in shots and a 3-2 edge in corner kicks.

Megan Gerhart (Lansdale, Pa./North Penn)recorded four saves in goal for the Marlins. Taylor Riley had seven saves for Bridgewater.

Virginia Wesleyan returns to competition on Saturday, Oct. 12, in ODAC play at Roanoke College at 1 p.m.

--AMDG--