PORTSMOUTH – Malone University used a four-goal first half to cruise past women's soccer. Using several nice crossing passes to beat the defense, the Pioneers (1-0) scored in the 12th, 22nd, 25th and 45th minutes to jump out to a commanding lead early. They would then tally once more in the second half to lock down the 5-0 win.
On the strength of an 11-4 shots advantage in the second half, the Bears (1-2) outshot their opposition for the game and third time in as many contests. However, Malone put nine of its shots on goal while SSU put just two shots on frame. Shawnee State also held a 7-0 advantage in corner attempts, but just could not get anything going off those chances on the offensive side of the field.
The Bears started off the game by taking two corner kicks and two shots; however, nothing would be on target and the Pioneers would capitalize on their first opportunity of the game with a nice pass to beat the defense and take the early 1-0 lead. Two more corner chances and a shot for Shawnee followed but the Bears could not capitalize. Shawnee State looked to be pushing the Pioneers back into their defensive third again when Malone blocked a direct kick and transitioned into their offense, setting up the second goal of the game.
Just under three minutes later, the Pioneers again used crisp passing to get behind the Bears' defense and take the 3-0 advantage. With under a minute remaining, the Pioneers again found the back of the cage and took a 4-0 lead into the break.
In the second half of play, the Bears opened with four shots in the first 10 minutes, including three shots within a minute of each other. However, Malone goalie Angie Nutial was in position to make her first save, while the next two traveled wide of target. The Bears best chance to score came in the 80th minute of play when they were awarded a penalty kick. However, that attempt also traveled wide to keep the Bears off the scoreboard.
For the game, Jessica Fair finished with a team-high four shots. Allison Nagle, Hannah Figlestahler and Schuyler Jones each took two shots, while four players took a shot with Brittney Brooks and Figlestahler getting the only two attempts on frame. In goal, Emily Kuehn and Shelbi Halverson split time with each playing one half. Each made two saves during their respective 45 minutes in goal.
The Bears will now have the weekend off to get their legs under them after opening the season with three home games in six days. They will be back in action on Labor Day at Pittsburgh-Johnstown for the first road game of the season. That game will get underway at 2 p.m.
