CULLOWHEE, N.C. – The Samford soccer team opened Southern Conference play with a tough, 2-0 loss at Western Carolina Thursday evening at the Catamount Athletic Complex.
 
With the loss, Samford fell to 3-6-1 overall and 0-1 in SoCon play. Western Carolina improved to 6-2-2 overall and 1-0 in league action.
 
For Samford in the loss, Brooklyn Miller and Fleming Dean had two shots each. Peyton Hull played the full 90 minutes in goal for the Bulldogs. Hull saved four shots and allowed two goals.
 
Western Carolina's goals were scored by Milla Syska and Naya Marcil. Leanne Trudel played in goal for the Catamounts, saving three shots without allowing a goal.
 
Syska got the scoring started for the Catamounts with her goal off an assist from Alexis DeMarco in the 41st minute of the contest. The score remained 1-0 until Naya Marcil scored on a penalty kick in the 59^th minute for a 2-0 Catamount lead.
 
The Bulldogs will next play at Chattanooga on Sunday. The game is set for a 12 p.m. (CT) start from Chattanooga, Tenn.
 
SCORING RECAP
WCU: 41^st minute, goal by Milla Syska off an assist from Alexis DeMarco
WCU: 59^th minute, goal by Naya Marcil on a penalty kick
 
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