Jill Burns notches game winner as Tech downs Mercer, 2-1

By TTU Sports Press

September 02, 2003

MACON, Ga. - Sophomore Jill Burns (Atlanta) scored what proved to be the game winner early in the second half Sunday afternoon, knocking home a header on a free ball to lift Tennessee Tech to a 2-1 victory over host Mercer University in the Five-Star Classic. Tech split its two matches in the tournament, losing a 1-0 contest to Georgia Southern on Friday, and returns home with a 1-1 record.
Sophomore goalkeeper Lisa Wourms (Dayton, Ohio) made four saves to notch the complete-game victory in her first start of the year.Ê
Freshman Joni Simmons (Cleburne, Tex.) got Tech on the board in a hurry, chipping the ball past Mercer keeper Lauren Burch just 7:22 into the contest for the first goal of the season. The Bears (1-1) answered in the final minute of the first half when Darcy Kibler scored her first career goal on an assist from Shannon Weeks.Ê
Burns, who was named OVC Freshman of the Year last season, scored the deciding goal 4:03 into the second half when she leaped above the defenders in the box and headed home a pass from senior co-captain Alexis Boyd (Germantown, Tenn.). The Golden Eagles were able to control possession for a majority of the game and dictate the tempo. Tech had 19 shots compared with 10 by Mercer. Burns had six of Tech's shots, with four on goal, while redshirt freshman Jocelyn Daniel (Shelby Township, Mich.) helped to keep the pressure on with four shots, including two on goal. Simmons finished with three shots, including two on goal. For Mercer, Kibler managed two of the teams' five shots on goal.
It was the first win at Tech for first-year Golden Eagle coach Patrick Farmer, adding to the career numbers which have him ranked among the all-time coaching leaders in the nation. Farmer's mark improved to 234-57-31 in his 15th season.
Tech returns to Cookeville to defend its home field Wednesday at 4 p.m., hosting UT-Chattanooga in the first home contest of the season. Admission is free.
August 31, 2003, at Macon, Ga--Mercer Five-Star Classic
Tennessee Tech 2
Mercer University 1
SCORING: TTU - Joni Simmons (unassistaed), 7:22
MU - Darcy Kibler (Shannon Weeks), 44:06
TTU - Jimm Burns (Alexis Boyd), 49:03
SAVES: TTU - Wourms 4, MU - Burch 8 - 4