Box Score

ERIE, Pa. – The Mercyhurst University women's soccer team defeated Ashland University with a score of 1-0 on Thursday.  Sarah Slezak recorded the game-winning goal at the 32:56 mark of the match.
 
Slezak, a junior, netted her first goal of the season and the fourth goal of her Laker career.  Her unassisted goal at the 32-minute mark helped the Lakers start the season off with their first win.   Nikki Charboneau attempted a goal but was stopped by Ashland goaltender Rebecca Plescia.  Plescia made a great save but Slezak was able to come up with the rebound and find the back of the net.
 
The Eagles outshot the Lakers twenty-one to six throughout the game but it was the Lakers who were able to capitalize with the help of freshman goaltender Ellie McDougall.  McDougall made an amazing save at the 68:25 mark, knocking Eagles midfielder Melissa Hill's shot over the cross bar, giving the Eagles a series of corner kicks.  After the third defended corner kick, Ashland's forward Megan Zealer shot hard into the upper right hand corner of the goal however it was Kiley Cleveland who sacrificed her body to prevent the ball from going into the net.
 
McDougall recorded the shutout, making six saves in her first career start. It marks the third consecutive season that Mercyhurst has posted a shutout in the season opener.  Plescia made one save in net for AU.
 
The Lakers start off the season with a 1-0-0 record while the Eagles fall to 0-1-0.  Both teams will be participating in a weekend invitational at Gannon University August 31-September 2.