Just a couple of weeks before the start of classes, the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) favorite Hofstra women’s soccer team opened its season with a 1-0 victory against Bucknell University.
Hofstra is coming off one of the most impressive seasons in its history, where an undefeated conference slate and a CAA championship earned the Pride an automatic bid into the 2017 NCAA Tournament.
In their first action back, the Pride looked to bounce right off last season’s success with a fresh roster poised to make a similar run in 2018.
The defending CAA champs came out firing, outshooting the Bison 7-4 in the first half and then turning it up a notch in the second half with an 8-2 shot advantage that came largely behind the legs of established veterans for the Pride.
2017’s CAA All-Tournament selection Jenn Buoncore blasted five shots, while CAA co-preseason player of the year Madeline Anderson was one of three other players to fire a pair herself.
The shot successfully hitting the back of the net was struck by sophomore Bella Richards, who as a freshman garnered herself All-CAA accolades after starting in 14 games at midfield for the Pride.
Her first 2018 score came from just outside the 18-yard box, stepping through the ball that hit off the bottom of the crossbar and fell inside net in the 74th minute.
Keeping the Pride’s lead secure were redshirt-senior goalkeepers Ashley Wilson and Jenna Borresen, who split time much of last season. Wilson played the first half and Borresen the second, each had two saves in the clean sheet.
Along with the veterans, some brand-new faces stepped on the field for the first time in their collegiate careers.
While Krista Agostinello was the only freshman to get the starting nod, Emily Rose, Lily Stavisky, Megan Fisher and Alia Mentzel all made an appearance.
With the win, Hofstra has now won 15 of its last 16 games dating back to last season, and it will look to build onto that as it gets ready for its home opener against Fairfield.
The match is scheduled for Sunday, August 19 at 1 p.m.
Image courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
