#3 Franklin Pierce Opens 
With Win Over Holy Family, 2-0
Bailey notches 200^th career victory 
in just 221^st match with triumph

RINDGE, N.H. (August 25, 2006) – Franklin Pierce, ranked No. 3 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas Division II preseason coaches poll, got a goal in each half in posting a 2-0 victory over Holy Family University in non-conference women’s soccer action at Sodexho Field this afternoon. The match was the season-opener for both, who have been tabbed as preseason favorites in their respective conferences.

            The win marked the 200^th career triumph for Franklin Pierce Head Coach Jeff Bailey in just his 221^st match at the College. The former All-American with the Ravens men’s team, has now posted a 200-14-7 (.921) career mark over 11 seasons. The NCAA Division II leader in career winning percentage, moves into fourth in Division II history in all-time wins. Bailey’s .921 career winning percentage ranks second only to University of North Carolina mentor Anson Dorrance (.944) among all-time NCAA soccer coaches regardless of division or gender.

            Franklin Pierce, the top preseason pick in the Northeast-10 Conference’s preseason poll, got goals from two newcomers who will look to help fill the scoring void left by the graduation of three-time All-American and NE-10 Player of the Year Laura Hislop. Junior captain Jenna Mello (Londonderry, N.H./Londonderry) was also called on to make six saves (four second half) in posting her 16^th career shutout (fifth in program history).            

Freshman Mackenzie Bulych (Regina, Saskatchewan/Dr. Martin LeBoldus) opened the Ravens scoring when she one-timed a cross from sophomore Ann Foley (Rockland, Mass./Rockland) off the side of her foot at the far post 23:24 into the match.

            Franklin Pierce got an important insurance marker when it was awarded a penalty kick just 1:43 into the second half when senior All-American Alex Scavo (Toronto, Ontario/Brother Andre) was fouled hard inside the 18. Junior Laura Stockdale (Sunderland, England), a transfer from Lindsey Wilson College, slotted the penalty into the lower left corner.

            Holy Family, preseason favorites in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC), had its best chance in the 51^st minute, but sophomore Ashley Smith’s (Philadelphia, Pa./Little Flower) drive from the top of the 18 missed just over the crossbar.

            Junior goalkeeper Kelly McGrogan (Philadelphia, Pa./St. Hubert’s) finished with six saves in goal for the Tigers – all in the second half.

            Franklin Pierce finished with a 14-11 shots advantage, including 10-8 in the second half.

            Franklin Pierce (1-0) opens its Northeast-10 schedule on the road at the College of Saint Rose on Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. Holy Family (0-1) visits the University of Massachusetts Lowell tomorrow at 2 p.m.

Click here for photo highlights, courtesy of Richard Orr Sports Photography

MATCH STATISTICS & PLAY-BY-PLAY