BALTIMORE, Md. – Notre Dame soccer opened their 2018 season at home today against York College of New York.  The Cardinals held the Gators to just one first half goal, but despite the humid and hot day, Notre Dame did not let up as they went on to take the season debut victory, 4-0.
 
Strong Offense
In their first game of the season, the Gators came out shooting.  In the first minute of play, freshman Julie Hagis registered the first shot of the season for Notre Dame going just wide.  In the first half, the Gators put up 15 shots on the Cardinals. 

Senior Meghan Conner recorded the first three of the team's four goals against York, posting her first of the season in the 22-minute mark.  Newcomer Colette Pierce assisted on the goal.

Notre Dame's shot selection locked in in the second half as they managed to put up three goals in only six attempts. 

The Gators were held scoreless in the second half until Conner knocked in her second of the game in the 67-minute mark.  Conner dribbled through the defense to put up a chip shot right out of the goalie's reach.

Twelve minutes later, Conner secured a hat trick, scoring on a long ball after an offside call on York.  This is her sixth career hat trick and ninth multi-score game.

The final goal of the game for the Gators came in the 81-minute mark as Hagis posted her first career goal.  The Gators would not register another shot in the rest of the game. 

As a team, Notre Dame posted 21 shots, with Conner leading with 10. 
 
Tough Defense
Notre Dame, posting their first shutout of the season, came out to play not only on the offensive end, but especially on defense.

Starting in goal for the Gators, in her first career start, freshman Amethyst Stevens registered one save before exiting the goal in the 38th minute after an injury and switching to a field player.  Freshman Trinity Pfeiffer jumped in goal for her first career appearance in goal, registering another four saves.

Collectively, they posted a combined shutout, facing seven total shots (five on goal) from York.

Not only did the goalies have a stand out performances, but several defenders for Notre Dame made some spectacular plays in the back field.

Freshman Kayla Grube, junior Hannah Woodworth, and Pierce shutdown several fast breaks from the Cardinals.  On several occasions, they took players one-on-one before reaching the goal.
 
What's Next?
Notre Dame will have only one day off before hitting the field again as they host local opponent Gallaudet University at home.  The game is scheduled for a 4pm start time.