Franklin Pierce women's soccer standout nets Australia's lone goal in Cup opener

RINDGE, N.H. (January 14, 2002) - Franklin Pierce forward April Mann (Brisbane, Australia/Saint Thomas More) came off the bench and sparked the Australian National Team to a 1-0 win over South Korea in the opening game of the 2002 Australia Cup in front of 3,712 at Robertson Oval in Wagga Wagga, Australia.

Mann entered the match in the 50th minute and netted the lone goal of the night in the 72nd minute of play to lead the Matildas to a 1-0 win. The goal was Mann's second in just four National Team appearances. She netted Australia's Cup-clinching goal against France in last year's Australia Cup.

Mann's goal on Sunday came after Heather Garriock sent in a deep corner kick from the left side, from which Cheryl Salisbury's header was blocked. The ball was stopped right on the line and Mann put away the rebound. She had a bid for a second goal shortly after, but hit the post.

"We started slow but we pulled together and deserved the win," said Head Coach Adrian Santrac. "We could have scored more, but it's a good way to start the tournament."

The two teams travel to Albury for match two of the three-game series on Wednesday.

Mann was an All-Northeast-10 Conference forward this past season for Franklin Pierce and she finished tied for second in the Conference with 47 points as she totaled 17 goals (four gamewinners) and 13 assists.

The Franklin Pierce women's soccer team wrapped up its 2001 season with a 22-1 record and ranked No. 4 in the final NSCAA Division II poll. The Ravens 22 wins set a school record and matched the Division II mark. Franklin Pierce advanced to the NCAA Final Four for a record tenth-straight season, but had its quest for a record sixth National Championship halted in the semifinals.