BOXSCOREWest Haven, Conn.- A
Rachel Dempsey (So.-East Islip, N.Y.) goal exactly 1:00 into Thursday's season-opener at the University of New Haven proved to be decisive as the host-Chargers proceeded to hang on to its slim 1-0 advantage, shutting out visiting Georgian Court University for the non-conference triumph.
As the first minute wound down,
Carlie Schecht (Jr.-West Islip, N.Y./West Islip) made a run down the left side before serving the ball into the box. Dempsey was able to collect and send the ball past GCU keeper,
Casey O'Connor, for the eventual game-winner.
With the expected opening day jitters now flushed from their systems, O'Connor and the Lions settled down nicely, as the bluestockings kept New Haven out of the net for the remainder of the contest.
The Chargers outshot GCU by a 6-2 margin in the first half, compiling a 16-10 advantage overall.
Tayler Bramley (2),
Lizzy Kroon (2) and
Laura Nelson (1) combined for the Lions' five shots on goal, unfortunately unable to penetrate the UNH goal.
Deandra Nash (So.-Deer Park, N.Y.) denied four of the GCU shots on target while her defensive line squandered the remaining scoring threat off a Georgian Court boot.
O'Connor collected seven saves on the afternoon as the senior went on to collect 89 scoreless minutes after the initial score.
The Lions will next make their home debut this Monday when they invite Pace University to Investors Savings Bank Field for a 1:00 p.m. Labor Day showdown.
