Gulf Coast blasts Co-Lin 7-0

PERKINSTON — After getting shut out the last time out, Mississippi Gulf Coast reversed it and blanked Copiah-Lincoln 7-0 Friday at the MGCCC Soccer Complex.

Jess Shepherd (5-6, Fr., Parrswood/Manchester, England)  and L.T. Massey (5-6, Fr., Oak Grove/Hattiesburg)  had two goals apiece for the Lady Bulldogs (2-1-1, 2-1 MACJC)

"It was nice to have the creative ability to score goals," Gulf Coast coach Jackie Rhodes said. "It's a good confidence booster to remind us we can score goals, too."

Gulf Coast has a pair of important South Division games next week to close out the first round. The Lady Bulldogs travel to Southwest, facing a team below them in the standings, and then play Meridian, which is tied for second with Gulf Coast.

"WE've got a big week next week, and we need this confidence in the ability to score goals," said Rhodes.

Shepherd scored in the 8^th minute off a corner, then another nine minutes later when the Co-Lin keeper came out to play a ball and fumbled it away.

Shannon Swilley (5-4, Fr., Pass Christian/Pass Christian) curled a ball over the keeper in the 24^th minute, and Massey scored off a scramble in front of goal in the 29^th minute. It was the first goal of the season for each.

Massey added another two minutes later for a 5-0 halftime advantage.

In the second half, Emily Cochran (5-2, So., Gautier/Gautier)  pounced on a rebound for her first goal of the season, and Erin Longsden (5-5, Fr., Droylsden Academy/Manchester, England) rounded the keeper for the final margin.

"We're a very disciplined team," Rhodes said. "A lot of times that goes overlooked. We focus on staying organized on the field, so it's good to see that pay off."

For more information on MGCCC's 10 intercollegiate athletic teams, follow @MGCCCAthletics on Twitter and BulldogLIVE on Facebook, and go to mgcccbulldogs.com.