Weber State University Athletics
Weber State University
Westminster College
Wildcats Open Season with Win Over Griffins
8/22/2009 2:30:00 AM | Women's Soccer
OGDEN, Utah -- The Weber State women's soccer team opened the 2009 season on Friday evening with a 2-1 win over Westminster College (0-2) at Wildcat Soccer Field.
The Wildcats fell behind early as Vanessa Jordan sent a corner kick into the box, hooking up with Heather Hillam, who headed the ball past WSU goalkeeper Rebecca Ritchie in the sixth minute.
Weber State wasted no time getting even, however, as Jessie Baddley scored her first goal as a Wildcat just 27 seconds later. Nicole Moore held the ball at the top of the box, and dropped a pass to Baddley, who struck a low drive through the Griffin defense and past goalkeeper Dayna Winter-Nolte to the right post.
The game would remain deadlocked until the 41st minute, when WSU twins Kelly and Abby Robinson hooked up for the eventual game winner. Kelly Robinson took a pass from Maggie Bartel on the right wing and beat a Westminster defender down the touch line. Kelly fired a cross from the far right, finding Abby for a redirect finish to the near post.
In the second half, with shadows stretched across the field, the Wildcats continued to pressure, out-shooting Westminster 8-4. The 'Cats were unable to find an insurance goal, however. WSU possessed for the majority of the final 10 minutes and eventually the sun set -- figuratively and literally -- on the Griffins' equalizer chances.
Ritchie recorded four saves to earn the victory in goal for the Wildcats. One of those saves came midway through the first half on a one-on-one chance for Westminster, as Vanessa Jordan broke free deep in the box. Jordan's shot to the left post was snared by a diving Ritchie for the game-saving stop.
The Griffins' lone chance late also nearly resulted in the equalizer, as Corie Walch launched a shot from distance. Walch's shot dropped at the top of the Wildcat goal, just falling over the bar to the top net.
The Wildcats will next play host to the University of Maine on Friday, Aug. 28 at 3:00 p.m.
