After a preseason with predominantly temperate weather, Eastern University Women's Soccer had to overcome stifling heat and a feisty York College team to secure their first win of 2010. Tess Beckwith scored a goal and added an assist as the Eagles raced to a 4-1 home win.

Though they controlled much of the play early, the home side was unable to get on the board until the 28th minute. Katie Ruth made the run that created the goal. The junior entered the attack from a late position and earned the end-line with a strong dribble before firing a low cross between York's back line and goalkeeper. Kelsey Doutrich was on the doorstep, but the Spartan defender beat her to the cross. The weight of the cross and the pace of the run created an own goal for a 1-0 Eastern lead.

The Eagles had a few golden opportunities late in the first half, but the Spartan defense held until the break. Beckwith made her mark just 30 seconds after the intermission with a run up the left side. The junior forward beat her mark to the end-line and fired a head high cross that Doutrich nodded home from six yards out. 

"At the half we were adamant about the need to work for the second goal quickly," Coach Mouw commented "The heat was taking a toll on the game, and we needed to get some separation. We were able to give Tess a little break before the half and she was dynamic from the start."

Alli Inch scored on a rebound of a Michelle Brown shot at the hour mark to give the Eagles a 3-0 edge. York scored ten minutes later on a nice cross from the left side. The Eagles regrouped and restored pressure in the attack. Eastern held a 13-7 edge in second half shots. Beckwith put five shots of her seven shots on frame and collected her goal on a breakaway with seven minutes to play.

Mouw was pleased with the effort of the day, but also felt that there was room for his team to continue to improve. He also cited the play of sophomore goalkeeper Aly Goodman, who finished the day with 8 saves. "Ali handled some tough chances today, and I felt she provided us with very good presence and distribution."

Today's win was the first season-opening win for the Eagles in the last seven years. They will attempt to build on the momentum of today's win with a pair of games at Haverford College. They take on Rutgers Camden at 3:30 on Saturday.