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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -
Lizzie Paul made a big splash in her DU career as the freshman scored both goals in a 2-0 win over Albion College. Fellow freshman
Jessica Bergsma was solid in net as she earned her first career shutout while helping the Lady Panthers start the season with a win.
After a significant improvement in 2009 by the women's soccer program, the expectations were even higher under second year head coach
Chris Allen heading into this season. DU got off on the right foot today as they shutout MIAA foe Albion College 2-0.
The first half was back and forth with each squad providing very few chances on the offensive end. DU led the the Britons in shots 4-2 as only one shot from either team made a significant threat of going in.
Then after fifteen more minutes of scoreless soccer, Davenport's
Lizzie Paul (England) put a ball away from about 25 yards that just sailed over the keeper's hands to put the Lady Panthers on top 1-0. It marked the first goal of the forward's career.
The defense then buckled down and made it difficult for the Britons to create chances in front of DU keeper
Jessica Bergsma (Jenison, Mich.). The freshman was outstanding in net as she finished with four saves on the day.
Lizzie Paul then struck again to give Davenport an insurance goal with just over two minutes to play when she sent another long ball at the Albion keeper and it just slid under her hands for the second goal of the game.
Thelma Gylfadottir was credited with the assist on a short touch pass just outside the box.
The score remained 2-0 until the final whistle blew giving Davenport their first win in a season opener in school history. It also helped DU improve to 3-2-0 all-time in their home opener.
Davenport will be in action next when they travel to Indianapolis to take on University of St. Francis (Ind.) and Cardinal Stritch (Wis.) in the Marian University Labor Day Classic from Sept. 4-5.
