FRANKLIN, Ind. – The Trine University women's soccer team began the 2022 season with a victory 2-0 in a road match against the Franklin College Grizzlies on Thursday night.
The Thunder (1-0) kept their foot on the gas once they obtained the lead over the Grizzlies (0-1) and the defense prevented Franklin from getting any good looks at the net. In total, the shot differential was 19-1.
Early in the match, Trine was a bit hesitant not to make a mistake, but was also persistent to wear down the defense of their opposition. The first 15 minutes saw just one shot taken by either team, and the Thunder only made the Grizzly keeper make a play on one shot in the first 40 minutes of action.
Freshman Abby Robison was the first to put a shot on goal in the 23rd minute and late in the first, led an onslaught of Thunder offense. Robison put a shot on net that the opponents cleared, but a loose ball in the box resulted in a goal a few moments later.
The Trine midfield sent the ball back into the offensive zone off the clearance, and from there, sophomore Teresa Ashbrook dribbled towards the keeper and took a shot that was turned away. Freshman Andi Lipic was there on the rebound, but her shot was blocked by a defender. Finally, on the third effort, Robison sent it home to claim a 1-0 advantage. It was her first career goal and first score of the season for the Thunder.
The 1-0 edge would remain until halftime. "I think the opening game of the season is always a little frantic and that showed in the first half," head coach Gary Boughton explained postgame. "At halftime, we were able to revisit some of the things we want to be a part of our identity this season and it showed in the second half."
The insurance would come quickly in the second half when Lia Franzone and Mia Augustino combined for a goal. Ball movement from the middle of the field allowed Augustino to become open just outside the box and a strike off her right foot sailed passed the defense to go up 2-0.
It was evident that this team enjoys playing for one another as 20 student-athletes took the pitch on the night. "Our girls brought a lot of positive energy and it was contagious," Boughton continued. "The positivity and support on the sidelines were unwavering."
The defense kept the clean sheet intact throughout the match, with keeper Sophie Aschemeier and defenders Andrea Wright and Ellie Price playing all 90 minutes. Rachel Hill, Blair Wright, Ryann Locke, Darcy Satkowiak and Abbey Scheil all got opportunities on defense for the squad and contributed to the shutout.
Wright, a senior team captain, had this to say on the win, "It was a good start to the season and great to leave the field with a win. Now it's time to focus on the next one and move forward."
The road trip continues for women's soccer on Monday, September 5 when the Thunder travel to Centre College to take on the Colonels. That match kicks off at 2 pm.