Box Score Box Score | Final Stats
CEDAR CITY, Utah - Junior
Rachel Strawn scored the game-winning goal in Idaho State's 2-0 defeat of Southern Utah on the road in the season opener. The game-winning goal was initiated by a cross from midfielder
Ashley Jones that Strawn buried in the back of the net in the 29th minute of the first period.
Freshman
Amanda Ellsworth led the Bengals with three shots in just 40 minutes of play and scored ISU's second goal with 5:60 remaining in the second period. The forward's goal was unassisted as a Bengal took a shot off a throw-in from
Mikaela Carrillo that was blocked by keeper Charly Booth. Ellsworth took advantage of the opportunity and finished the ball to the open net.
"They both played well," said Head Coach
Allison Gibson of Strawn and Ellsworth. "Our front line fought hard for us and gave us a lot of opportunities.
Taylor Powell sent a couple of great balls up but we weren't able to finish."
Sophomore
Carly Hutchings-Maloney was credited with the shut-out, the second of her career. She recorded four saves; three in the first period.
"Carly really stepped up for us and is demanding a lot of her backline. They are learning to trust her more and more and it will continue as she gets more experience in goal," said Gibson. "
Morgan Olson was also a presence on the field tonight."
Southern Utah's Stacey Brinkman, a forward, led the game with seven shots and two on goal. The Thunderbirds outshot the Bengals 17-10 posting nine in the first period.
"To be honest it started a little shakey, we were on our heels for the first 10-15 minutes," said Gibson. "However, we didn't panic and we weathered the storm. They had some better parts of the game, but I'm proud we stayed with the system.
"We focused a lot on the attack (in the preason) and we have to take a look at the defense so we can sort things out quicker," said Gibson.
NOTES: The last time the Bengals captured a season-opening victory was in 2008 in a 2-1 double overtime victory at Davis Field to defeat Utah State ... Today was sophomore midfielder
Allyson Stainbrook's birthday.
