TOWSON, Md. - Sophomore Caitie Barnwell scored her first career goal to lead the Tigers to a 2-1 victory over the University of Pennsylvania on Friday night in their first game of the season at Unitas Stadium. The victory was the second straight for the Tigers, who improved to 2-3 on the year.
"I thought it was great to be home and get the victory," said Coach Michelle Webber. "We seemed to come out a little more aggressive in the second half and it paid off."
The first 20 minutes of the game were a defensive battle as both teams were working hard in the midfield. There was just one shot in the first 20 minutes as senior Kim Schnell had one blocked.
Barnwell got the Tigers on the scoreboard in the 26th minute with the first goal of her career. Freshman Stevie Winchester crossed a ball from the near post to Barnwell and she was able to tuck it over the shoulder of the Quaker goalkeeper.
Towson maintained the 1-0 lead at intermission despite being outshot 5-2 in the half. Penn also held an 8-0 advantage on penalty corners in the stanza.
The Tigers wasted no time in extended their lead as the second half began. Just 1:05 into the half, Towson was awarded a penalty corner. Schnell took control off the ball, beat the defender and banged it home for her team-leading third goal of the season.
Penn cut its deficit in the 49th minute as Kirstin Snyder sent a ball in from just outside the circle. Julie Tahan was able to tip the ball into the net for the goal.
That goal was the Quakers' lone score could manage as the Tigers held on for the 2-1 victory.
Both teams took five shots in the second half and Penn ended the game with a 10-7 advantage in shots. Towson recorded four penalty corners in the second half but Penn finished the game with a 10-4 edge.
Redshirt freshman Christina Siwiec made four saves in goal to earn the victory for the Tigers. Kieran Sweeney made three saves for the Quakers.
The Tigers return to action on Friday, September 16 when they travel to La Salle for a 4 p.m. game.
- TOWSONTIGERS.COM -
