Marshall University Athletics
Herd Women's Soccer Victorious in Season Opener
8/25/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 25, 2006
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NEWARK, N.J.- Marshall women's soccer most dangerous offensive weapon, Kassie Hollman, proved why she has earned that nickname from Head Coach Chris Kane today in the season-opener at New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, N.J. The Herd walked away from the match victorious by a score of 1-0.
"It's a good start. We will continue to improve and come out strong on Sunday," Kane said.
The Herd gave NJIT a scare in the 10th minute when Kassie Hollman placed a ball perfectly at the feet of Molly Snead atop the 6-yard box. Highlander goaltender Bruna Lotufo blocked the ball and sent it sailing over the crossbar.
In the 20th minute Hollman scored the first goal of 2006 with an assist by Snead. The play developed when Snead carried the ball past two NJIT defenders and sent a cross across the front of the goal. Hollman was positioned on the far post to hammer the ball home.
"Molly (Snead) did a great job on the left all day. It's unfortunate that we could only put one of her services away. Kassie did a great job finishing the ball," Kane said about the Herd's first goal of the season.
Tracy Fischer tested Lotufo's skills again three minute before halftime when she dumped a long cross into the box forcing Lotufo to make diving save before Marshall could finish.
The score remained 1-0 heading into halftime.
Marshall was awarded a restart in the 60th minute of play and was taken by Erin Johnson. Meghan Wetzel's head connected with the perfectly placed ball. Once again, NJIT's goaltender denied the Herd.
The Herd out-shot NJIT 14-0 and forced Lotufo to make six saves. Marshall's goalkeeper Liz Orton did not make any saves in the match but earned her first collegiate shut out for the Herd.
"It's good to start the season off with a win. We created many opportunities in the box while maintaining possession throughout the match. We need to be more effective in the box," Kane said.
The win marks the first time the Herd has won the season opener under the direction of Coach Kane.
Marshall plays again on Sunday against St. Peter's at 1 p.m. in Jersey City, N.J.
