FLORENCE, SC – Freshman midfielder Vanessa Laxgang scored three times and played a role in a fourth tally as Clemson University scored three unanswered second-half goals to claim a 4-1 non-conference victory over Francis Marion University, Sunday afternoon (Oct. 24) in women’s college soccer action.

Francis Marion, which was celebrating Senior Day and honored four players prior to kickoff, ends its 2010 campaign with a 3-13-2 record.  Clemson snaps an 11-match losing skid and improves to 6-11-0.

Clemson outshot the Patriots 18-4 and held a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks.  FMU junior goalkeeper Lauren Vetock made eight saves in the loss, while Tiger freshman Lauren Arnold registered two stops.

Laxgang gave Clemson a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute when she beat Vetock with a 14-yard shot.  Sarah Jacobs sent the pass through to Laxgang and it briefly deflected off a Patriot defender before finding the feet of Laxgang.

Francis Marion tied the match at the 34:15 mark when senior Adrienna Osorio-McKenna converted a penalty kick.  The shot was awarded when a handball was called on a Clemson player inside the box. It was Osorio-McKenna’s fourth goal of the season.

Laxgang reestablished the Clemson lead with an unassisted score at 55:48.  She took control of a loose ball, dribbled right to left across the top of the box, and then touched a left-footed 12-yard shot back across the field into the right corner of the netting.

An own goal in the 79th minute upped the margin to 3-1.  From the top of the 18-yard box, Laxgang sent a low liner into crowd of players and the ball deflected off a Patriot and into the goal.

Laxgang completed the scoring with 2:06 remaining when she took a through ball from Ashlynne Bass and connected on a 15-yard shot.

Second-year FMU head coach Joel Person praised his team’s effort as FMU entertained an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent for only the second-time ever.  “Even though the result was not what we wanted, the ladies played hard.  I was pleased with our effort, especially the opening 45 minutes.  From start-to-finish this season, we have made improvements, and are laying a strong foundation for next season.”  Six freshmen were listed on FMU’s starting lineup Sunday.



Clemson University (6-11-0) def. Francis Marion Univ. (3-13-2) 4-1

Date: Oct 24, 2010  Attendance: 223

Weather: Partly Cloudy 77 degrees

Goals by period       1  2  Tot
--------------------------------------
Clemson University..  1  3 -  4
Francis Marion Univ.  1  0 -  1

SCORING SUMMARY:
1-0.   5:46 CU Vanessa Laxgang (2) (Sarah Jacobs) - played ahead, 14 yd shot past GK
1-1.  34:15 FMU A. Osorio-McKenna (4) Penalty kick
2-1.  55:48 CU Vanessa Laxgang (3) (unassisted) - took turnover, 12 yd shot with left foot into upper right
3-1.  78:20 CU OWN GOAL (unassisted) - own goal – shot by Laxgang from top of box deflected off FMU player into goal
4-1.  87:54 CU Vanessa Laxgang (4) (Ashlynne Bass) - played ahead, 15 yd shot

Shots: Clemson University 18, Francis Marion Univ. 4
Saves: Clemson University 2 (Lauren Arnold 2), Francis Marion Univ. 8 (Lauren Vetock 8)
Senior Day for FMU