Bulldogs power past Meridian

The Mississippi Gulf Coast women's soccer team traveled to Meridian with one goal in mind: keep the lights on.

The home team switched the men's and women's start time to give the Eagles' women a chance to play under the new LED lights that flicker on and off after Meridian scores. The Bulldogs kept the lights on by thrashing the Eagles 5-0 Thursday.

"That was the goal," Gulf Coast coach Jackie Rhodes said. "We had some things we really wanted to see today. That was probably our best complete performance so far. We were able to see everything we've been working on, and we executed today. That was really fun to watch."

Hannah Salter (Fr., Olive Branch/Lewisburg) had two goals and an assist, and her first goal set the tone. She undressed a Meridian defender and cut toward the middle of the field. Her long-range, left-footed shot tucked into the upper-90 in the 28th minute for the first score of the game.

Leah Bennett (Fr., Cape Town South Africa/Mondeor) registered a similar goal for the fourth of the day in the 50th minute.

Katie Brown (Fr., Picayune/Home School) had a goal and an assist, as did Alyssa Palisi (Fr., Diamondhead/Hancock). Brianna Lee picked up an assist.

"Defensively we were pretty good, and offensively we were all clicking together," Rhodes said. "At the end of the day, it's a really good game for us heading into the Jones game on Tuesday."

Gulf Coast entertains Jones next Tuesday. Kickoff at Bary Thrash Field is set for 7 p.m. The Bulldogs (5-3-1, 4-1-1 MACCC South) moved into sole possession of second in the division after Jones beat Pearl River. A win against Jones would take the Bulldogs atop the standings.

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