11th-ranked Battling Bishops squeak by Averett, 1-0

Danville, VA - In their first action since moving up to #11 in the latest national poll, the Battling Bishops of North Carolina Wesleyan were put to the test on Wednesday, narrowly escaping Averett University by a 1-0 score.  Despite out-shooting the Cougars 26-2 in the match, Wesleyan relied on a Justin Thompson goal in the 78th minute to sustain their perfect record.  The Bishops are now 11-0 overall and boast a 3-0 record in USA South action.  With the loss, Averett drops to 1-7 on the season and is winless in league play.

AU goalie Ben Phelps recorded three first-period saves, while NCWC keeper and current USA South Rookie of the Week Renato Cortee did not face a shot in the opening half.  The two teams went into the break tied 0-0.

Phelps continued to make key saves in the second period but could not stop Thompson's eventual gamewinner at the 77:13 mark.  Edgar Zaldivar was credited with the assist.

Phelps finished with eight saves in the match.  Corte stopped both Cougar shots en route to his tenth win of the season.

Wesleyan returns to USA South conference action on Saturday when the Bishops host Shenandoah University at 1:00 p.m.  Saturday will serve as 2006 Parent's Day.