Though the scores were far different, the overall outcomes were still the same as the Clarkson University Women's Soccer team and St. Lawrence University came away with wins in the opening round of the North Country Classic, with the Golden Knights beating Adrian College 2-1 in the second game and the Saints beating Olivet College 6-0 in the tournament's opening match up.
The Golden Knights (1-0-0) enjoyed a wide advantage in all statistical categories except for in the scoring margin, outshooting the Bulldogs (0-1-0) 31-8 and enjoying a 9-4 margin in corner kicks. Freshman Katelyn Wagner (Gilmanton Iron Works, NH) scored Clarkson's first goal of the season late in the first half when she scored off a rebound from Jennifer Urquhart's (Portland, ME) shot off the crossbar. Junior Linda Fernandez (Kennebunkport, ME) scored her first goal of the season in the 48th minute on a crossing pass from Urquhart to give the Golden Knights a 2-0 lead. Shaina Gonzalez (Marlette, MI) closed the gap to 2-1 with a chip shot over Clarkson goalie Lauren Arredondo (Allendale, NJ). Julie Herbert (N. Street, MI) was awarded the assist. Arredondo made five saves to pick up her first win of the season while Terry Peach (Amelia, OH) made 14 saves for Adrian.
In the opening game of the North Country Classic, St. Lawrence dominated play from the outset and didn't allow a shot on goal until late in the second half. Carly Draper (Ottawa, Ontario) needed to make just that one save for the shutout.
Devon Cain (South Hero, VT) scored on the third shot of a scrum in front of the net to open the scoring for the Saints (1-0) in the 17th minute. Sarah Skinner (Boxford, MA) tallied another goal for the Saints just two minutes later. The Saints then scored three goals in a nine-minute span midway through the second half with Ashley Monus (Toledo, OH) scoring once and Samantha Bealer (Darien, CT) tallying twice. Nicole Lopez (Port Kent, NY) closed the scoring in the 73rd minute. Jen Giller (Bellingham, WA) assisted on the final three goals for St. Lawrence.
St. Lawrence will face Adrian College at 1 p.m. Sunday while the Golden Knights will close out the first North Country Classic at 3:30 pm against Olivet College.
