EDINBORO, PA – A defensive battle waged Saturday afternoon at Sox Harrison Stadium as Anna Voelker set the tone early with a save off her own defender's boot.
Edinboro's long-awaited home opener came against the Notre Dame College Falcons, also competing in their first game of the season.
The Fighting Scots defense clogged the middle of the field, before first-year Morgan Wissner netted the first goal of the year at the 26:46 mark.
The Scots managed eight shots in the first period but Jordan Pasalaqua was able to deflect four that were on goal to keep the score 1-0.
Brittnie Spithaler was held out of the scoring column in the first despite four shots and two on goal. Other shots in the period came from Jenna Derbis (2) and Reece Enochs (1).
Voelker's defense stood strong in front of her, but when tested she made all three saves in the first half.
For the Falcons, shots in the first half were hard to come by but Sammy Salatino, Mia Alvarez and Kayla Saikaly all logged shots on goal.
Enochs nearly scored around the five-minute mark in the second period but for a great save by Notre Dame's Pasalaqua.
The Scots defense gelled in the second half as Kagiavas looked to his deep bench in keeping fresh legs.
Enochs finished with three shots on goal, Derbis had two, Spithaler logged three and Wissner scored on her only attempt for the game-winning goal.
Voelker took the result in net, making four saves. The Falcons had multiple good looks, especially in the second half but the netminder stayed poised.
"It was a terrific result against a good team- a very organized team. I thought that a lot of our freshmen came through very well. I thought that we grew as a team today with the challenges that Notre Dame gave us and I think they prepared us for what is to come this season. I also think some of our newer kids were surprised with how physical the game is and the speed of play. But all-in-all I think it is a good win for us against a very good team."
-Head Coach Gary Kagiavas
Edinboro is back in action Wednesday Sept. 8 at Mercyhurst in their first conference clash of the new campaign.
