Aug. 28, 2005

Box Score

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - (Sunday, August 28, 2005) Weather was not factor this time around for the Redhawks soccer team however they did pour on the shots against the Jaguars courtesy of their newly revamped offense. The Redhawks won their season opener 2-0 against the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis at the Lady Gov's Tournament in Clarksville, Tennessee Sunday morning.

After seeing their scheduled season opener against Gardener-Webb called Friday afternoon after 63 minutes of action due to inclement weather, the Redhawks used that time to refocus and prepare for the Jaguars.

"I thought we really played well, I'm excited," said Southeast coach Heather Nelson. "We did not play well on Friday and I made some changes. Our players came out comfortable and confident today and played very well. We really moved the ball around and opened up scoring opportunities.

"We played all 20 players and they all contributed. It was a great win and we'll need the same type of effort when we play Saint Louis University at Houck Stadium on Friday night. The action will be fast and furious."

Sophomore Alaina Lacopo (Troy, IL/Triad) got the Redhawks on the board first when she scored in the 31st minute of the first half. Lacopo got the rebound from her own shot off of Jaguar goaltender Jessie Mann and placed it past a diving Mann for the 1-0 lead.

For Lacopo it was her first career goal.

In the second half the Redhawks added insurance as Erin Hartmann (Jackson, MO/Jackson) gathered the rebound from a Megan Hejlek (St. Louis, MO/Nerinx Hall) shot on goal and scored for the 2-0 lead at 62:31. For Hartmann it was her first career goal and points in her four-year career. Hejlek received credit for the assist. The goal scoring opportunity began with a corner kick by Lisa Schweppe (St. Charles, MO/St Charles West) to Casey Kraft (St. Louis/Nerinx Hall) who made a quick move that diverted the goal keeper. After the ball went loose in front of the goal, Hejlek tried a shot that was deflected to Hartman who put the ball in the goal.

"It was amazing to finally score a goal," Hartmann said. "I really didn't think I would ever score a goal, but I was in the right place at the right time and just put the ball in the net. I was really excited."

The two goals were all the Redhawks defense needed as they kept the Jaguars at bay holding them to only six shots in the game.

Goalkeeper Lindsay Pickering (St. Charles, MO/St. Charles West) made her first career start a memorable one as she recorded the win and shutout while recording two saves.

The Redhawks showed a balanced attack as they recorded 19 shots, six of which were on goal and held the Jaguars offense at bay.

Mann made three saves in goal for the Jaguars.

Hejlek and Lacopo each attempted four shots apiece and Schweppe and Molli Beard (Libertyville, IL/Libertyville) each had three shots.

The Redhawks return to the field on Friday, September 2 when they host regional rival Saint Louis University at Houck Stadium at 7:00 p.m.