LYNDHURST, N.J. -- The East Stroudsburg University women's soccer team opened up the season with a 3-0 victory over Felician in the program's first game in 653 days due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Warriors (1-0) held a 1-0 lead at halftime after converting a penalty kick. ESU added a pair of goals in the second half to seal the victory. Alessia Bianchini posted the Warriors' first goal of the season on the penalty kick, while Rebecca Kotula and Evencia Welsh also found the back of the net. 2019 All-PSAC East Freshman of the Year Melissa Herrera added an impressive assist off of Kotula's goal.

Notables

- ESU led 17-8 on shots and 10-2 on shots on goal.

- Both Kotula and Welsh were making their Warrior debut. Kotula is a sophomore from Wyomissing, Pa., while Welsh transferred from Antelope Valley College (JUCO).

- Mauri Jackson recorded her 19th career shutout, making a pair of saves on the afternoon.

- ESU improves to 17-8-4 all-time in season openers and 8-3-3 under 14th year head coach Rob Berkowitz.

- The Warriors now hold a series lead of 6-0 all-time against Felician, combining to outscore the Golden Falcons, 22-1 in that span. 

How it Happened

34:41 | The Warriors were awarded a penalty kick, after Caitlin Nicholls received a pass in open space and drove towards the net before drawing a penalty in the box.  On the penalty kick, Alessia Bianchini found the low-left back pocket of the net for ESU's first goal of 2021.  

48:03 | After a pair of ESU's shots were blocked, ESU regained possession and fired a high pass that was unable to be headed. With the ball heading out of bounds, a Warrior saved it from going over the sideline, sending a pass to Herrera. Herrera booted a beautiful pass right to Kotula's foot on the far-side of the net.  Kotula one-timed the pass shot in stride to extend ESU's advantage to 2-0.

76:12 | After shots from Welsh and Nicholls were blocked, Welsh was able to gain possession after the rebound and fire off a shot just past the Golden Falcons' goalkeeper.  

Up Next: The Warriors look ahead to their home and PSAC East opener on Wed., September 8 against Bloomsburg. The game is slated for a 7:00 p.m. start.