Vikings Spoil Titans' Season Opener

Taylor Navarro scored twice in the first half and Kelly Farell twice in the second as the Augustana College (Ill.) women's soccer team defeated UW-Oshkosh, 5-0, on Friday (Aug. 30) in Aurora, Ill. The contest kicked off the 2013 season for both teams.

Navarro gave Augustana College a 1-0 lead when she scored in the 18th minute (17:25) of play. She then scored off a pass from Farell in the game's 23rd minute (22:33) to double the Vikings' advantage.

Farell took over in the second half, scoring a pair of unassisted goals early in the period. She put Augustana College ahead 3-0 in the 51st minute (50:48) and 4-0 in the 55th (54:58).

The Vikings closed their scoring on Jessa Rizzo's goal in the 68th minute (67:09) of action. Her score came off a pass from Maggie Hoscheit.

Augustana College, which earned a NCAA Division III postseason berth after winning the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin title a year ago, outshot UW-Oshkosh, 16-9.

The Vikings had eight players attempt shots, including Farell who launched four and Navarro and Elise Cather who fired three each. The three shots of Amanda Baalke and two of Robyn Elliott led the Titans.

Katie Berkopec saved five shots while guarding the UW-Oshkosh goal for all 90 minutes. Augustana College had two players record time protecting the goal, including Meredith Chew who saved six shots in 74:53 of action. Margaret Williams went without a save during her 15:07 of activity.

UW-Oshkosh battles defending Northern Athletics Conference champion Aurora University on Sunday (Sept. 1) in Aurora.