LADY RAIDERS BATTLE TO SCORELESS DRAW AT BRYAN BEHIND ROBERTS' SEVEN SAVES

DAYTON, Tenn. — Roane State women's soccer played Bryan College to a scoreless draw Friday evening, earning a hard-fought result against an NAIA varsity team that defeated the Lady Raiders 3-0 a season ago.

Freshman goalkeeper Addison Roberts delivered a standout performance, recording seven saves and denying every shot on target from the Lions. Bryan outshot Roane State 13-5 overall, including a 7-4 advantage in shots on frame, but Roberts' acrobatics preserved the clean sheet.

"She was a beast last night," head coach Donnie Green said of Roberts' performance. "She was getting vertical, horizontal, coming off her line, making slide tackles. She came up with big-time saves that kept us in the match."

The draw on August 29 marked a significant improvement for Roane State, which has leaned on a young roster through the first weeks of the season. Green said the team's collective effort on the back line — including Victoria Moua, Lauren Freeman, Makhira Ralston, and Jesla Uribe — was critical in limiting Bryan's attacking chances.

Freshman Molly Ketterman impressed in the midfield, playing nearly the entire match. Green called her awareness and anticipation "A-plus" and praised her ability to intercept passes and trigger counterattacks.

"She's one of the smallest players on the team, but she battled so hard," Green added. "Her field vision and her ability to create counter opportunities stood out."

On the offensive end, the Lady Raiders managed six total shots, four of them on frame. Sophomore Jazmine West nearly produced the breakthrough in the closing minutes. After a sequence involving Zoey Rose and Hannah Kate Turner, West unleashed a mid-range shot that soared just inches over the crossbar.

"That would have been the game-winner," Green said. "But even though we didn't score, the buildup and communication were outstanding. We definitely had our chances."

Freshmen Maddie Bailey, Rose, and Turner each contributed to the offensive attack, while Maddy Lindsay and Kyleigh Hall provided valuable minutes off the bench in the defensive third. Green noted the team's level of play did not dip when substitutions were made.

"I'll take a 0-0 tie anytime against a team that beat us 3-0 last year," Green said. "The girls left it all on the field, and I was so pleased with their effort."

The Lady Raiders (2-2-1, 1-0 TCCAA) return home Tuesday, September 2, to host Pellissippi State in a conference matchup. The Panthers defeated Roane State three times last season, but Green said he believes his squad is better prepared this time.

"It's a win that the girls really want," Green said. "If we play like we did against Bryan, I feel confident we can get the result."

Box Score:
Roane State 0, Bryan 0
Shots: RSCC 5 (4 on goal), Bryan 13 (7 on goal)
Saves: RSCC — Roberts 7; Bryan — Team 4
Corner kicks: RSCC 2, Bryan 0