Sept. 27, 2004

Charleston, SC - Even though junior Lauren Merchant lit up the scoreboard the most of her career against S.C. State on September 18th when she recorded a hat trick in the 8-1 victory, she believes scoring the game-winning goal on V.M.I six days later was the biggest shot of her college career.

"The game-winning goal against V.M.I. was awesome because I had a chance to win the game for my team and I rose to the challenge," added the forward from Sacramento, California. After the game-winner against the Keydets her total for the week rose to four, awarding her the first ever SOCON women's soccer Player of the Week (September 18-24) here at The Citadel.

Merchant fell in love with the game when she was four years old; playing soccer for sixteen consecutive years and finally deciding on the military school as a senior in high school. She chose The Citadel because of its location, a full scholarship from the Army, and the opportunity to live on her own for awhile. This year, the most successful for the Bulldogs to this point, has done nothing but show her commitment to the game. She leads The Citadel, who owns a 2-4-1 overall (0-1-1 SOCON) record, with five goals, three assists, and thirteen total points. On the team-leading goal scorer, assistant coach Matt Gwilliam states, "Main reason on our recent success. Her ability with and without the ball is great. She knows the game better than anyone. She has really developed into a fine player from her freshman year."

Even though the team has struggled over their four-year existence, Merchant explains that their best attribute is the co-hesiveness. "We get along on the field and hang out together off the field during school." The team, led by head coach Megan Hjerling, has set some goals that it looks to achieve before the season is completed. "We want to win at least two SOCON games and make the SOCON tourney in Greensboro, NC," says Merchant.

In her two-plus years here on the banks of the Ashley River, the junior has taken some lessons away from the soccer field. Merchant explains, "Coach Gwilliam has instilled in me a profound confidence with the ball that I never had before I arrived. He also helped me with taking the shot whenever it is open."

Coach Gwilliam reiterates, "She has given everyone we have played fits and no one can stop her. She has a great chance to be our first All-SOCON performer here at The Citadel. It is really exciting to watch her play the game."

Merchant believes that the next time a big-time challenge arises she will definitely be ready and no think twice about taking the game-winning shot.

Covy's Cove is written by junior outfielder Matt Covington, an English major here at The Citadel.