NEWARK, N.J. - Highlighted by a pair of goals from freshman Dana Costello, the Monmouth University women's soccer team opened its 2010 campaign with a 2-0 victory at NJIT on Friday night. Monmouth, which last opened a season with a victory in 2008, outshot the Highlanders 20-6 in the road victory.
"It was a solid performance for the first game of the year," said head coach Krissy Turner. "We minimized NJIT's opportunities for the most part and had a lot of good chances of our own."
Monmouth opened the scoring the 37th minute when Costello stole the ball from a defender along the right side, and beat Sadie Mele for her first career tally.
Costello doubled the score to 2-0 in the 79th minute, knocking in a rebound off senior Gianna Russo's attempt on goal.
"Dana has been a goal-scorer her entire soccer career," added Turner about her rookie forward. "Now she has proven that despite playing on the biggest stage of her athletic career, she is up to the challenge."
Costello, who became the first freshman to notch multiple goals in Turner's 13th season at the helm of the Hawks' program, recorded a pair of scores on three shots. Senior Mary Wilks added a team-high seven shots - one of which hit the crossbar - forcing Mele to make 11 saves.
Senior goalkeeper Lia Fierro made one save to collect her 30th career shutout, moving her within five blankings of surpassing all-time leader Lori Houlihan (34.5), and registered career win No. 40.
Monmouth returns to action on Sunday afternoon, when the Hawks travel to Piscataway to face No. 17/24 Rutgers University at Yurcak Field, at 1:00 p.m.
