YORK, Pa. – The York College women's soccer squad exploded with four goals Saturday afternoon, picking up their first win of the season with a 4-2 triumph over Capital Athletic Conference rival Salisbury. The Spartans improve to 1-4-1 (1-1 CAC) with the win while the visiting Sea Gulls drop to 2-6 (1-1 CAC).

For two squads that had scored a total of seven goals between their 12 combined games, Saturday's conference tilt proved an unlikely shootout.

The Spartans got on the board first when Stephanie Mergler buried her long distance attempt in the 19th minute. Mergler's second of the year began a scoring barrage that would see York score more goals in this game than they had in their previous five matches combined.

In the 27th minute, York sophomore Caitlin Aversa dribbled in just behind the Sea Gull defense before slotting home her first score of 2010. Those two scores gave the Green and White a 2-0 advantage.

York's 2-0 advantage would not last long however as Salisbury broke onto the scoreboard just 6:20 after Aversa's score. Sarah Jessilonis' third tally of the season came after Colleen O'Connell served a cross into the box allowing Jessilonis to find the back of the Spartan net.

Despite the Salisbury notch, the Spartans still held a 2-1 advantage heading into the halftime break.

That lead would expand to 3-1 just 4:04 into the second frame. From the left side end line, Mergler struck a hard low service that was initially knocked down by Sea Gull goalkeeper Lauren West. That rebound found the feet of Spartan forward Ali Jones who promptly buried her first score of her senior campaign.

Jones tallied yet again in the game's 63rd minute to give the home squad a significant 4-1 lead. The senior broke free behind the Sea Gull defense and only had an oncoming West to beat. Her initial attempt was stopped by West but the ensuing rebound allowed Jones to follow up and put away the open-netter.

That three-goal advantage would be short-lived however as just 2:06 later Salisbury's Julia Finecey cut York's lead to just two on her first tally of the season. Bonnie Sandone found Finecey who ripped a shot from the top of the box for the score.

After that score York's defense officially clamped down as they only allowed one more Salisbury attempt throughout the remainder of the match. The backline of Allie Jensen, Ally Wivell, Megan George, and Dale Mason played exceptionally well in helping the Green and White to the 4-2 triumph.

For the game, the Spartans – who showed significantly more energy than in games past this season – outshot their guests 14-10 while holding an 8-3 lead in corners.

Spartan goalkeeper Sarah Spanarkel records the victory after notching six saves on the afternoon. West suffers the loss as she drops to 0-1 on the season. West, who was in the net when York scored their game-winning third tally, relieved Sea Gull starter Melissa Orgera at the start of the second half.

The Green and White will now look to ride that momentum into next week as they begin with a Monday afternoon match-up at Alvernia. The non-conference tilt is slated for a 4:00 pm start.

GAME BOX

Photo: Ali Jones and Caitlin Aversa celebrate during York's 4-2 victory against Salisbury Saturday afternoon in York - courtesy of Zach Clabaugh - www.sharpedgefoto.com