Oct. 20, 2008

Story courtesy of Shorter Sports Information Office

Rome, Ga. - The firsts keep coming for the Shorter Hawks soccer team.

On Sunday afternoon, the Hawks stunned the 15th-ranked Auburn-Montgomery Senators for the first time in program history, with a 2-0 shutout performance. With the win, Shorter takes sole possession in the tough Southern States Athletic Conference heading into the final conference game of the season on Wednesday.

"We've had a lot of things happen for the team this season," said head coach Josh Severns. "A lot of determination and focus has led us to this point, and today was no different. It was good to get the shutout and it speaks volumes about the determination of this team."

Sebastian Stihler scored the first goal of the game for the Hawks (8-4-1, 7-1) in the 39th minute, taking a missed shot on the corner from Kyle Timberlake, giving Shorter the 1-0 advantage.

"I thought the ball was in after his shot," said Stihler. "My mindset was that if it comes to me, I was going to score... and I'm glad I got the chance."

In the 79th minute, K. Timberlake was able to give it another go. After the Senator's (9-4, 6-2) goalkeeper came out of the goal to defend, the ball was made free for the second and final goal of the shutout game.

"I can't say enough of the team spirit and how we've come back from a tough stretch, with this win following the Berry victory," added Severns. "We have one more SSAC game and we hope to finish out the season with our first conference title."

The Hawks travel to Central, S.C. this Wednesday for a SSAC showdown at 7 p.m. with the Southern Wesleyan Warriors.

For more information on the Hawks, visit GoShorterHawks.com.