Gonzaga University
1-0-0
South Dakota
0-1-0
| Team | 1 | 2 | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gonzaga | 3 | 1 | 4 |
Women's Soccer Opens Season with 4-0 Win
8/18/2017 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Aug. 18, 2017
SPOKANE, Wash. -- The Gonzaga women's soccer team started the Chris Watkins' era with a 4-0 season-opening victory over South Dakota at Luger Field Friday.
The Zags (1-0-0) remained unbeaten in their last six season-openers behind a 16-5 advantage in shots. GU placed 11 shots on goal in Watkins' head coaching debut.
Gonzaga jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first 13 minutes. Sophia Viviano scored her first collegiate goal in the ninth minute. The sophomore headed in a beautiful cross from Madeline Gotta. Just over three minutes later, Jodi Ulkekul connected with India Jencks in similar fashion. Jencks' header over the keeper was also her first collegiate goal.
In the 40th minute, Sam Heilman slid a ball low past the keeper to the far post for the Bulldogs' third goal. Mari Kneisel was credited with the assist. Savanah Van Citters closed the scoring in the 71st minute with a strike on a free kick to the upper right hand corner of the net.
Isabel Jones made three saves for GU, while South Dakota's Coral Suarez had four saves. Cooper Thau took two shots for the Coyotes (0-1-0), putting one on frame.
Gonzaga welcomes Omaha (0-1-0) to Luger Field Sunday at 6 p.m. The Mavericks began their season with a 5-1 setback at Eastern Washington Friday.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
VIVIANO, Sophia (1)
Assisted By: GOTTA, Madeline
Ball played in box and headed low near p
8:07
JENCKS, India (1)
Assisted By: ULKEKUL, Jodi
Cross played into box headed high over k
12:32
HEILMAN, Sam (1)
Assisted By: KNEISEL, Mari
Ball slid far post past keeper
39:35
VAN CITTERS, Savanah (1)
Strike on a free kick just outside the b
70:14
