Sept. 2, 2007

Box Score

DEKALB, Ill. - Three different players scored in the opening half to lead the Navy women's soccer team to a 3-0 victory over IUPUI Sunday afternoon in the finale of the Northern Illinois Tournament. Seven different Midshipmen were credited with points in the contest, as Navy improved to 1-0-1 after the opening weekend of action.

"We had a great first half," said head coach Carin Gabarra, who is in her 15th season at Navy. "IUPUI had a difficult time solving our offense. We moved the ball quickly which in turn generated many goal-scoring opportunities for us.

"In the second half we tired a bit," added Gabarra. "We didn't possess the ball as well and our defense let down its guard a bit, but overall I was pleased with our effort today."

Senior Brigitte Fox (La Mesa, Calif.), who scored the Mids' lone goal in Friday's tie against Iowa, put Navy on the scoreboard quickly, taking a ball from teammate Brittany White (Carmel, Ind.) and rippling the net just over a minute into the contest.

With just under 15 minutes remaining in the opening half, sophomore midfielder Jen Grijalva (Pleasanton, Calif.) found the back of the net, scoring her first collegiate goal. She was fed by senior forward Kari Weniger (St. Petersburg, Fla.) and junior defender Jenn Dunbar (Crofton, Md.), who has now turned in assists in each of the first two games. Heading into the season, Dunbar had recorded only one assist in her career.

"Jen (Grijalva) was not happy with her playing time a year ago," said Gabarra. "I give her credit for working hard in the off-season to improve her skills and she came into the preseason ready to play."

Rounding out the scoring column for the Mids and also scoring her first career goal was rookie midfielder Christine Calderon (Yorktown, Va.), who connected with Kristen Laraway (Long Valley, N.J.) for the goal at 42 minutes even.

By the end of the opening half, the Mids had outshot the Jaguars, 11-2, putting all 11 shots on goal. Both IUPUI shots were also on goal with 2006 Patriot League Goalkeeper of the Year Lizzie Barnes (New Orleans, La.) snatching both from harms way. Sophomore Beth Reed (Indianapolis, Ind.) took over the net-minding responsibilities in the second half, making a save on IUPUI's only shot.

"Everyone had a role today," said Gabarra. "We are learning to play together and our team chemistry is improving each time we take the field."

The Mids will play their third game in five days when they return to Annapolis to play their home opener on Tuesday against Saint Peter's. Game time is set for 7:00 pm at the Glenn Warner Soccer Facility. All kids (12 and younger) who wear a soccer jersey will receive free admission to Tuesday night's game. Additionally, fans can print out a coupon off www.NavySports.com (go to women's soccer page) and receive two tickets for the price of one for the Saint Peter's game.