By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Toledo, OH---Sarah Weaver scored two second half goals as the Express women's soccer team defeated Cincinnati State 5-0 in their season opener.
"Overall, the result was good," said Express women's soccer head coach Mary Whisler. "We have a lot of things to correct, but the girls worked hard. There's still a lot of season to go, plenty of things to work on, but a great start and I look forward to the rest of the season."
Owens dominated ball play as Cincinnati State managed only two shots on goal.
Drew Plummer got things started with a beautiful goal crossing from the left into the top right of the net to put Owens up 1-0 just 5:54 into the match. Haley Gasser assisted on the goal.
Following Plummer's goal, the Express missed plenty of opportunities to add on until Jill Burkholder scored on an assist from Taylor Avers 41:24 into the half.
Owens took that 2-0 lead into the half as they didn't allow a shot on goal up to that point.
In the 68th minute, Weaver scored on an assist from Jaime Sesock. The goal was similar to Plummer's as she crossed it to the far side of the net and placed it perfectly in the top left corner.
Jessica Grindle would add a goal in the 75th minute on an assist from Eitniear. Weaver then added her second in the 84th minute on a double assist from Grindle.
Overall, the Express attempted 18 shots on goal, while Cincinnati State's Miranda Estep made 11 saves. Brinkman had one save for Owens.
Tayler Redinger started in goal and played the first 10 minutes. She gave way to Erika Brinkman at that point. Redinger re-entered late in the match.
The Express (1-0) will face a tough test on Wednesday as they battle perennial Region XII powerhouse Schoolcraft College beginning at 5 p.m. The match is at Owens.
Notes: The Express are now 3-0 against Cincinnati State since the program began last year.
