TIFFIN – A combination of new faces and veterans made up the winning formula for the Heidelberg University women's soccer team in their season-opening match against Defiance. After a scoreless first half that was controlled for the most part by the Berg, everything clicked in the second half as the Student Princes pulled away for the 3-0 victory.

FIRST HALF

It was a relatively quiet opening half for both sides, as neither was able to break through the opposing defense. Heidelberg maintained the possession for the most part, holding a 9-2 advantage in shot, but were unable to find the back of the net. In the 35th minute, Danielle Rathfon broke through the defense and scored, but the goal was waved off as the freshman was called for offsides.

SECOND HALF

Heidelberg opened up the second period with more pressing offense, getting off five shots in the first five minutes of action. In the 61st minute, Kristen Keenan found Denise Bowes off of a free kick for the first goal of the season to give the Berg a 1-0 advantage.

The Student Prince defense continued to hold up as that lead held before Amanda Kilway scored the second goal of the match, this time coming off of a free kick by Darby Moloney near midfield.

Wasting no time, fellow freshman Naomi Smith scored under a minute later to push the score to a commanding 3-0 in favor of Heidelberg.

That lead would be more than enough for the Berg as they held that score for the season-opening victory.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Heidelberg out-shot Defiance 23-8 for the match, as they were able to push forward throughout the contest.

There were a total of 34 fouls (17 each) and six yellow cards (three each) in what turned out to be a very physical match.

Freshman Alexandra Farmer, who got the start in goal, held up the defense with 5 saves and no goals allowed during her 71:21 in goal. Kenzie Lundqvist came on and recorded two saves in the remainder of the match to preserve the clean sheet.

QUOTES

Head coach Nick Spell on the team opening up strong: "We had two scrimmages to get ready and our shape was something that was really important. I was excited that we were able to get our shape down first."

Spell on the play of Kilway and Rathfon: "It's definitely exciting when you can start two freshman in their first collegiate game and they have an impact right away. It's nice that they already click. Some of it might be that they're roommates, but we're excited for the future of them over the next four years."

Spell on the first goal of the game (Keenan to Bowes): "Those two kind of click too. It's nice when you have two transfers that play the same style, but off each other a little bit. Denise hit a nice ball, and that's what she's known for."

Spell on the defense and Farmer in goal: "Our defense did a great job stepping up. I'm proud of Alex Farmer, stepping up as a freshman, starting her collegiate game in goal. You never know, sometimes the nerves can get to you, but she was a strong asset back there."

UP NEXT

Heidelberg will take to the road for their second match of the year as they take on Olivet on Friday. That contest is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 p.m. in Michigan.