Box Score Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University freshman defender Liam Gillesphey (Newcastle, England) scored his first collegiate goal and added an assist as the Bulldogs defeated Belmont Abbey 3-1 in NCAA Division II Southeast Region action Wednesday night at the WU Soccer Complex.
 
The number five team in the NSCAA/Continental Tire NCAA Division II Southeast Region rankings, Wingate improves to 9-3 overall. The BAC Crusaders fall to 6-6 overall. The Bulldogs host Mars Hill Saturday at 7 p.m. The Crusaders entertain Mount Olive Saturday at 3 p.m.
 
“This is a tremendous victory for us,” Wingate head coach Gary Hamill says. “We worked hard to get back on track. I am proud of our efforts.”
           
Gillesphey’s initial Bulldog goal completed the night’s scoring in the 68th minute. He converted a rebound off the post, thanks to an assist from junior midfielder Pedro Figuiera (Sao Paulo, Brazil). Earlier in the night, Gillesphey redirected a corner kick from classmate Gustavo Andrade (Sao Paulo, Brazil) to give senior forward Gui Lima (Sao Paulo, Brazil) his fourth goal of the season. The Lima tally gave Wingate a 2-0 lead in the 50th minute.
 
Belmont Abbey cut the deficit to 2-1 in the 54th minute when senior forward Ross Smith (Leeds, England) got behind the defense and beat the Wingate keeper. The Bulldogs led 1-0 at halftime, thanks to a penalty kick goal by junior midfielder Gui Andrade (Sao Paulo, Brazil) in the fifth minute. Andrade has two goals this season.
 
Wingate outshot Belmont Abbey 15-3; the Bulldogs held a 5-3 edge in shots on goal. Wingate sophomore goalkeeper Daniel DeGraff (Statesville, N.C.) earned his first WU victory in his first Bulldog start. He allowed one goal and recorded two saves in 90 minutes. Belmont Abbey senior goalkeeper Jordan Junot (Richmond, Va.) also went the distance; he surrendered three goals and notched two saves.