By Melissa McCutchan

CIU Student Writer

Players, coaches, and fans were full of energy on Aug. 29, as the Columbia International University women’s soccer team played their first home game in the program’s history, defeating Wake Technical Community College from Raleigh, North Carolina 2-0.

To commemorate the first home game, the CIU Rams were led onto the field by CIU alumna Elizabeth Sessions (’43), who served on CIU’s Board of Trustees for 17 years.

Coming off a 1-0 victory over Toccoa Falls College two days before, the women played a strong offensive game to secure a 2-0 victory. Sophomore Angela McMaster scored in the first half, and junior Esther Edwards scored a second goal in the second half, with four minutes left on the clock.

“The girls played well,” Head Coach Kara Farnsworth said. “They fought to the end.”

Fans were full of energy as the evening also featured the second annual “Battle of the Halls,” as   students representing their residence halls showed their school spirit by dressing in creative costumes and leading creative cheers in competition for a steak dinner.

At halftime, Athletics Director Kim Abbott declared East 3, a men’s residence hall, to be the winner. The East 3 men rushed the field in their hand decorated T-shirts and face paint to lead the fans in another cheer.

“Our fans are amazing,” midfielder and senior Kayla Swails said. “They get us pumped.”

The Lady Rams now have a 2-0 record, and are looking forward to more chances to improve as the players bond as a team.

“It’s really exciting [to win], and all glory goes to God,” forward and sophomore Alanna Battermann said.

The women’s match was preceded with a victory by the men’s soccer team over Laurel University 4-1.

For more coverage of the Lady Rams first ever home match check out the CIU Athletics website and Cola Daily.

See soccer match photos by CIU photographers Seth Berry and Christine Benz on CIU's Flickr page.