RALEIGH, N.C. - The Meredith College soccer team handed the visiting Averett Cougars their first conference loss this season with a 2-0 shutout in conference action Saturday. Goalie Kelsey Hopper posted nine saves to earn her 284th career win.

The USA South foes gave fans the battle they expected. But the Avenging Angels pushed a little harder and fought a little more to capture a well-deserved win over the Cougars.

Just 5:24 into the game, Meredith's Sarah Varnell passed the ball up to teammate Meredith McCarty who sailed a cross over to Samantha Siomkos. The rookie drove the ball to the upper right corner of the net to give the Avenging Angels a one point advantage.

The battle continued through the remainder of the half with MC holding a clear advantage. The Angels outshot AU 11-6 in the first period with neither team earning a corner kick.

After the brief intermission, Meredith continued to push and earned back-to-back corner opportunities at 50:39 and again less than one minute later.

With less than 30 minutes left in the game, the Cougars charged down field with a strong attack. Hopper beat the Averett offense to the ball in the middle of the box and saved a potential score.

Ten minutes later the Meredith defense created a 3-on-2 breakaway for Jessie Davis, McCarty and Danielle Lee. The trio charged at the goal with Davis dribbling the ball up the middle. McCarty caught a short pass from Davis on the wide left and shot to the far corner of the net to secure the win for Meredith. Davis, with eight on the season, leads the conference in assists.

Siomkos and Christa Jackson led all with six shots apiece, including four on goal. Davis, Megan Amanatides and Robin Moore made two attempts apiece, each with one on goal.

The USA South's leading scorer Sandra Johansson led Averett with five shots, including four on goal. Cougar goalie Malin Borjesson tallied 11 saves in her fourth loss this season.

With two conference games remaining in the regular season, the Avenging Angels will fight for one of eight spots in the USA South tournament. The top four regular season finishers will host a round one game.

Meredith hosts Ferrum in one week on Sunday, October 27. Head Coach Paul Smith and his coaching staff will celebrate the four seniors before the match begins at 1 p.m.