WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - Playing its first game as a nationally-ranked side, the Monmouth University women's soccer team defeated Saint Peter's 3-0, in its home opener on Friday afternoon, on Kessler Field. Monmouth, which is receiving votes in the NSCAA national poll, and ranked 25th in Soccer America, improves to 3-0 on the year, as three different players notched scores for the Hawks.
Paced by senior Mary Wilks, who tallied a goal and an assist in the game, the Hawks have now started the season with three straight victories for the first time since 2002.
"We did enough to get the result but we need to be consistent throughout each game," commented head coach Krissy Turner. "It was great to see goal production from three different players."
Monmouth broke the scoreless tie in the 37th minute when freshman point-leader Dana Costello found an open Wilks, who launched a shot from 35 yards away along the right side, to push the Hawks in front 1-0. Wilks' first score of the year, beat SPC goalkeeper Caitlin Hoffer inside the near post.
Monmouth struck again just four minutes into the second half, when Wilks took the ball to the end line and sent cross into the box, which freshman Michelle Morrison headed in for her first career goal.
With just under nine minutes remaining in the game, senior goalkeeper Lia Fierro made a point-blank save on Jackie Barry's attempt from 10 yards out to preserve the shutout for the Hawks. On the play Jamie Lisanti collected a ball at the touch line and found an open Barry at the far post for the attempt, which Fierro was able to corral on the ground to her left.
Monmouth pushed the lead to 3-0 in the 89th minute when Fierro launched a clearance into the Hawks' attacking half, which freshman Kimberly Dahl ran on, and beat Hoffer inside the far post, for her first career score as well.
In the match, Fierro increased her career shutout mark to 32, moving her within three blankings of surpassing all-time leader Lori Houlihan (34.5), while inking her 42st career victory.
Monmouth outshot SPC 10-7 in the match and held an 8-0 edge in corner kick opportunities. Hoffer, who falls to 0-2, made one save for the Peahens, while Fierro stopped five shots.
Monmouth returns to action on Monday, September 6, when the Hawks host Boston University (also receiving votes in the NSCAA national poll), on Kessler Field, at 2:00 p.m., on Fan Appreciation Day.
