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YPSILANTI, Mich. – Michelle Steinhaus scored twice in less than five minutes and Jenny Williams made six saves in net, leading Eastern Illinois women's soccer to a 3-1 victory at Eastern Michigan in the season opener for both teams Friday afternoon.

 

Steinhaus's third career multi-goal game, and her first since her 2004 Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year campaign, moved her into sixth place on the EIU all-time goals list with 19. The game-winner, meanwhile, was the ninth of her career, which ranks third in program history.

 

Ashley Slota registered her second career assist on Steinhaus's first goal, which came in the 53rd minute. The senior forward's second score was unassisted and came after a long rebound off a shot by Rachel Hamilton.

 

Hamilton added a late goal in the final minute of the contest. It was the sophomore's third career score. Meghan Ryon tallied her second assist as a Panther on the goal.

 

Williams made three saves in each half and all six after she surrendered an early goal in the 12th minute. Defenders Lindsey Wilkening and Slota played the entire match in front of her.

 

“It's definitely nice to win the first one, starting out the season by playing well and earning a win,” EIU head coach Tim Nowak said. “We stayed with what we wanted to do and our forwards scored for us. Everybody made plays when they needed to be made.

“It's nice for Michelle to start her senior year with a pair of goals. And Jenny has that experience [from starting her entire freshman year] and played like an experienced goalkeeper. She commanded the box and made the plays she needed to make.”

 

The three goals were the most for EIU in a season opener since scoring six times in a shutout victory against Western Illinois at Lakeside Field in 2003.

The Panthers will conclude their Labor Day Weekend roadtrip Sunday with an 11 a.m. (CDT) contest at Bowling Green.

More Info: Contact Ben Turner, Asst. SID