Box Score
WEST CHESTER, Pa. – Nicole Fiorilla scored twice and Alisha Moran tallied once as host West Chester University shut out visiting Fairfield University, 3-0, at sun-splashed Vonnie Gros Field in its 2010 season opener Saturday afternoon.
West Chester used a pair of markers from Fiorilla to jump out in front of Fairfield shortly after halftime. Moran added another goal in the final minute of play to salt the contest away.
With five players making their first college start, including red-shirt freshman goalkeeper, Kristen Arnold, the Golden Rams gained quite a bit of confidence in building a two-goal cushion just over midway through the tilt.
Fiorilla took a push pass across the goal mouth from freshman Stef Pirri in the first seven minutes of the game for a tap-in tally. The junior forward then deflected a shot from teammate Leah Angstadt off a penalty corner past Fairfield goalkeeper Maddy Sposito in the 40th minute to make it, 2-0.
Moran closed out the scoring burying a shot in the back of the cage after a scramble in front. Kate Zunski was credited with the assist on that goal.
Fairfield’s best opportunity of the afternoon came off a penalty corner four minutes prior to the break. Marit Westenberg fired a shot at the far post that was knocked down by junior back Karly Herb, who was credited with a defensive save. Anne Nieuwenhuis also hit the post on a shot in the 16th minute.
The Stags controlled the play in the final seven minutes of the first half. But, the Golden Rams weathered the storm and held on to its 1-0 lead at half. The break couldn’t have come at a better time for West Chester, who was able to regroup and hold Fairfield without a shot in the final 35 minutes.
Arnold played the first half and made four saves to pick up her first college win. Sophomore Gab Panasiewicz played the second half. Sposito was credited with eight saves in a losing effort for the Stags.
West Chester outshot Fairfield by a 17-9 margin, including 12-0 in the second half. Sposito made seven of her eight stops in the final frame.
The Golden Rams host Sacred Heart Sunday afternoon at 12 p.m. at Vonnie Gros Field in the conclusion of their season-opening weekend at home.
