Deno leads Lions to Senior Day win over Tusculum

MARS HILL, N.C. - The Mars Hill women's soccer team (2-12-1, 2-7 SAC) defeated Tusculum (7-9, 3-6 SAC) in a thrilling 3-2 contest held on Senior Day Friday evening.

Alyssa Deno scored twice, including the game-winning marker, in her final home game to lead the Lions to victory.

Samantha Pyle opened the scoring, less than three minutes into the second half for her second of the season.  The senior took a pass form Sanne Martinsen and on a partial breakaway, slid it past Danielle Breen to put the Lions up by one.  Deno then put the Lions up by two just moments later as Pyle picked up the assist for her third point of the night.

Tusculum cut into the Lions' lead in the 62nd minute as Yvette Raaijen netted her fourth of the season off of a free kick.  Knotting the game up at two in the 69th minute, Tina Haig tucked home a rebound off the hands of Victoria Forren.

With 1:25 left in regulation, Deno received a Martinsen pass and blasted home the game-winner to give Mars Hill a crucial South Atlantic Conference win.

Clare Witt made six saves in the first half in her final home game as a Lion.  Martinsen ended the day with two assists while Pyle had a goal and an assist.

Prior to the game, Natasha Castellano, Alyssa Deno, Samantha Pyle, and Clare Witt were recognized and honored for their careers at Mars Hill.

The Lions conclude the season on Wednesday, November 6th on the road versus Lincoln Memorial.  Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m.