JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (September 29, 2005)  - Freshman Rachel Layer (Bel Air, Md.) scored three goals to lead East Tennessee State to its first-ever Atlantic Sun Conference victory, 5-3, over Mercer in women's soccer action on Thursday at the Liberty Bell Soccer Complex.  The win improves ETSU's record to 4-6-0, 1-2 in the A-Sun. 

The Buccaneers dominated the first half of play, scoring four goals and limiting the Bears to only one goal.  In the second period, Mercer took control, forcing ETSU to spend most of its time on the defensive end of the field, and allowing them to score twice.  Freshman goalkeeper Erin Bilyeu (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) had seven saves on the night.

ETSU got on the board first at the 20:59 mark off an Erin Ashton (New Bern, N.C.) goal to give the Buccaneers the early lead.  Mercer's Megan Armstrong answered at the 31:10 mark to tie the game at one a piece. 

The Buccaneers then took over, scoring three goals in ten minutes.  In her scoring debut, Layer knocked in two goals in a row to bring the score to 3-1.  Sophomore Adrian Mobley (Framingham, Mass.) stepped up next for ETSU with her first goal of the season to give the Buccaneers a 4-1 advantage at the half. 

At the 69:03 mark, the Bears got on the board again off a Kaytie Vander Vos goal.  Layer responded for the Bucs shortly after to keep ETSU at a comfortable three point lead.  But the Bears kept on charging and at the 75:01 mark Heather Manning got one last goal for Mercer to finish the game.

"Coming out and scoring first made the difference in the game," said head women's soccer coach Heather Henson.  "Each goal built our confidence a little more.  We played a little sloppy in the second half, but we battled through as the whole team really stepped it up today and it feels wonderful to get our first A-Sun win."

ETSU is home again on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. against Stetson University at the Liberty Bell Soccer Complex.