STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – The Lady Baron soccer team won its season opener at home on Friday against Waynesburg University with a final score of 2-1. The win marks a significant feat for a team playing with a new head coach, new formations and new players against a team that beat them 6-1 last year. Returning players Julia Cocozza and Ashley Ruttencutter along with new teammate Hannah Cooke led the Lady Barons in securing the win.

"I just can't imagine what's going to happen during the rest of the season because of the way everything is already flowing," standout midfielder, Ashley Ruttencutter, said after the game. "We've come so far in just two weeks and it's pretty amazing."

Ruttencutter assisted the first goal of the game in the first half by starting a zig-zag passing rally across the field. From left midfield Ruttencutter passed to team-captain, Julia Cocozza who then crossed to Hannah Cooke who tapped it in to the left corner of the net to score. In the midst of this play Cocozza suffered an injury and did not play the rest of the game.

"(Cocozza) going out was very devastating for our offensive movement because she is a very talented player," head coach Clare McBane said. "But the girls just took it, adjusted and I think they did great."

Despite the setback to playing without one of their captains, the women continued to play hard and fight to keep the lead. Time after time they attacked the goal getting closer and closer to scoring again. It wasn't until the second half when freshman Susanna Almeida assisted junior transfer student Hannah Cooke for a smooth shot into the back left of the net for her second goal of the game.

"Hannah's goal was a shining moment," McBane said. "She had the patience and determination that a good forward should have on a breakaway. I think it was a good example of what a good forward should do on a breakaway."

Although the Lady Barons gained confidence with their two-point lead, Waynesburg slipped by them and managed to score their one goal of the game late in the second half. McBane said the Lady Baron team worked well together but that the game gives them a view into what they need to work on for the future.

"When you win its good for the girls confidence because so much of the game is mental," McBane said. "For them to have the mental thought that they can do it will help them do it more in the future."

The Lady Barons continue their season on Wednesday September 4 at Bethany College with the start set for 3:30pm.