Not even thunder and lightning could stop the Slippery Rock women's soccer team as they picked up their Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference opening win against Millersville University of Pennsylvania (2-1 overall, 0-1 PSAC) on Wednesday, 2-0.
Due to lightning and strong winds, the away game was pushed back about two hours and 15 minutes, but that didn't stop sophomore Kara Mullins and freshman Lucy Hannon, who contributed goals that got the Green and White out to a quick lead.
The returning leading scorer from the 2010 season, junior Shelby Ward, was credited with the assist to Mullins during the 11th minute of the game.
Mullins continued her efforts later on in the first half when she connected with Hannon, tallying an assist.
Senior transfer goalie Lisa Rodgers stopped both shots on goal, earning her first shutout for the Green and White.
Junior defender Emer Flatley thought the entire team played well and said the team has been working well together, especially in the victory over Millersville.
"The whole team played great and worked hard for each other," Flately said. "We put away the goals in the first half and kept a clean sheet. The whole team stepped it up and produced a good win in some bad conditions."
Head coach Noreen Herlihy is excited about the amount of new recruits that came out for the team this season and is expecting them to step up and contribute immediately.
"We have a huge group of freshmen girls who came out for the team this year," Herlihy said. "We know they'll take some time to get adjusted, but we are expecting big things to come from these young women."
The Rock will now prepare for a rematch of last season's PSAC semifinal match against West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
West Chester defeated SRU in penalty kicks after playing to a 2-2 tie in regulation. This season, WCU is ranked no. 2 nationally, is 3-0 this season and hasn't allowed an opponent to score a goal.
Herlihy understands the early season implications of a big game against a ranked opponent and is working to get her team ready.
"West Chester is the defending conference champion, and we've all been preparing for this game for a while," Herlihy said. "It's going to be a big game for the ladies."
The Green and White head into tomorrow afternoon's game with a 2-1 overall record and 1-0 in PSAC play.
The Rock opened the season with a 7-1 victory over Seton Hill University and then lost to West Virginia Wesleyan College by a 2-1 margin on Sunday.
After Saturday's 1:15 p.m. match at N. Kerr Thompson Stadium against No.2 ranked West Chester, SRU will continue conference play and start a five game road trip at California University of Pennsylvania.
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