BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - WKU used a trio of breakaway scoring opportunities to post a 3-0 win over Evansville in the season opener for both teams on a clear Friday night at the WKU Soccer Complex.
"I was really proud of our team and our girls," said head coach Jason Neidell. "We came out and played with alot more composure than I expected us to for our opening night. We kept control of the ball. We got the early goal and it was a huge lift for us. It allowed us to relax and have some composure."
Senior Amanda Buechel (Cincinnati, Ohio) scored two goals, matching her season total from 2011, including a goal in the sixth minute off a pass from Courtney Rymer (Nashville, Tennessee).
"It was really exciting to score two goals tonight. After just scoring two goals last year, it was really nice to get two in one game. Hopefully I can keep that going through the season... Both times I was trying to get to the end line. I usually try to find someone sliding in. Both times I was able to slide it in myself. I had alot of options. The goalie was kind of tricked into the other players making really good runs and I was able to slide it in."
Sophomore Nicholette Sartori (Malabar, Florida) added her first career goal in the 70th minute when she was able to break free from a defender and score.
Freshman goalkeeper Nikki Hall (Cincinnati, Ohio) became the fourth freshman in school history to start a season opener in goal for the Lady Toppers, playing into the 77th minute in the shutout. She posted three saves.
The Lady Toppers return to the field on Sunday, Aug. 19 when WKU plays host to Southeastern Conference foe Tennessee at the WKU Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 1:00pm CT. The game against the Lady Vols has been selected as "Faith and Family Day" at the WKU Soccer Complex. All fans who present a church bulletin at the ticket window will receive free admission to the Tennessee match. Additionally, the first 50 WKU students will receive a free pair of sunglasses.
Single game tickets are available through the WKU Ticket Office by calling 270-745-5222 or 1-800-5-BIG-RED. Tickets can also be ordered online at www.wkusports.com. In addition, a game ticket package with nine vouchers that can be used for any game during the 2012 season are available for just $25 through the ticket office.
For complete coverage of WKU Soccer, visit the official website of WKU Athletics at www.wkusports.com.
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