WASHINGTON - The Gallaudet University women's soccer team persevered in Saturday's home opener against College of Saint Elizabeth with a 2-0 shutout victory on a wet and blustery afternoon at Hotchkiss Field. This was the first North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) match for both teams.

The Bison (1-2, 1-0 NEAC) played strong against the Eagles (1-1, 0-1 NEAC) and secured victory in less than ideal conditions as light-driving rain challenged the players throughout the day.

It didn't take long for Gallaudet to get on the scoreboard.

In the second minute of play, sophomore midfielder Sabrina Hernandez (Ashland, Va.) lifted a high ball, off a corner kick from the far side of the field, which found the forehead of freshman Hannah Neild (Litchfield, N.H.), who headed home the team's first goal.

The Bison tried to add to their lead throughout the first half. Senior forward Brittany Mallach (Milton, Ontario) had several chances as her three shots, were saved or missed the goal.

GU headed into the half up 1-0.

Gallaudet picked up where it left off and continued to take shots on the St. Elizabeth goal where Keturah Cohen (nine saves) made several key saves. Mallach hit the crossbar in the 71st minute and a second shot, seconds later, was saved by Cohen. Sophomore Sharon Castillo (Dallas, Texas) added a quick rebound shot but Cohen denied the Bison.

Eight minutes later, GU finally got a second shot past Cohen.

Hernandez took a corner kick, from the near side, and her cross met the forehead of senior midfielder Sabina Shysh (Tucson, Ariz.), who directed the ball towards the goal. Cohen fumbled her save out in front of the goal as Mallach barreled in to make a quick shot that was thwarted away. Mallach had the wherewithal to then pass the loose ball to the left corner, where a streaking sophomore midfielder Isabelle Troup (Snellville, Ga.) slide in to score her first collegiate goal.

The Bison midfield along with key defenders; freshmen Sara Kulisan (St. Augustine, Fla.), Kayla Marie Chiofilo (Stoneham, Mass.) and Krista Kachnik (Henderson, Nev.) were hard-wrought to let any Eagle player spread their wings against them. GU's defense held St. Elizabeth to three shots, only one in the second half.

The Eagles were led by forward Carissa Kirkland with one shot on goal, followed by midfielder Dianne Nieves and defender Kyerra Smith with one shot each.

BISON TRACKS

• GU held a 19-3 edge in shots
• The Bison took eight corner kicks
• Mallach led the team with nine shots (four on goal)
• Senior midfielder Sabina Shysh (Tucson, Ariz.) had four shots (three on goal)
• Junior goalie Silvya Levesque (Ballston Spa, N.Y.) made one save

UP NEXT
GU takes on Hollins University (1-2) tomorrow (Sunday, Sept. 9) at 1 p.m. at Hotchkiss Field.