Offense shines as women's soccer wins season opener 4-0

St. Louis, Mo. - Fontbonne women's soccer got off to a great start, scoring two goals in their season opener at the University of the Ozarks in Arkansas, despite arriving to the field just 30 minutes before game time. 

Senior Savannah Davis' corner kick in the third minute was a line drive to Meredith Wendt in the center of the box. Wendt headed the ball into the far right corner for the Griffins' first goal of the season. Leann Smith then scored her first goal of the year from about 35 yards out. The sophomore defender turned midfielder struck once and received her own rebound that she drove into the left bottom corner to give Fontbonne a 2-0 lead over the Eagles in the first five minutes. 

It would be Smith and David to connect for the Griffins' third goal at the 17-minute mark. Davis's perfectly lofted free kick near the right sideline from 30 yards out went right past the keeper as Smith headed it in about a foot in front of the goal line. 

Smith earned her first assist of the season and fifth point of the game when she assisted Jacey Pate's goal in the 28th minute. Smith sent Pate the ball from the midfield line as she was running up the left middle of the field. She then slipped the ball past the Ozarks goalkeeper as the two went one on one with the Griffins prevailing for their final goal of the contest. 

Fontbonne outshot Ozarks 15-8 with Tayler Pulvirenti picking up four saves in her first shutout of the season. The Griffins also held a 7-3 corner kick advantage. 

Fontbonne travels to Hendrix College for a noon contest on Sunday, Sept. 4th.