Box Score
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Opening the 2016 campaign on the road in non-conference action, the Notre Dame College women's soccer team cruised to a 3-1 win over the host Rock of Slippery Rock University on Thursday afternoon at James Egli Field.
In a battle between two 13-win teams from a season ago, the Falcons were the first to strike as
Lytia Hart scored a 34th minute goal with an assist from
Norah Barnes. The sophomore duo of Hart and Barnes created necessary offense for NDC, giving the Falcons a 1-0 lead heading into the halftime intermission.
The game featured a defensive-minded battle between both sides, as the Falcons allowed just six shot attempts all game while attempting nine shots of their own.
In the second half, the Falcons leaned on
2014 Mountain East Conference Offensive Player of the Year Alexis Manoa. The senior forward scored a goal from the top-left of the box in the 52nd minute, giving the Falcons a 2-0 lead early in the first half.
As the second half progressed, the Falcons' defense continued to stifle the Rock offense as
Samantha Shoemaker made four saves behind a stout NDC defense.
In the 86th minute, the Falcons tacked on yet another goal as Manoa scored her second goal of the game to give NDC a commanding 3-0 lead.
Slippery Rock added a late goal of its own in the 88th minute, but it was too little, too late as the Falcons held on for the 3-1 road win.
With the win, the Falcons improve to 1-0 on the season.
The Falcons will return to action on Tuesday, Sept. 6 on the road in a Mountain East Conference showdown with the host Shepherd Rams. Game time is scheduled for 12 pm.
