IMMACULATA, Pa.– Senior forward Nicole Weenink scored once in each half and the Eastern defense made those count in a 2-0 win over the host Immaculata University Mighty Macs (1-1). Sophomore goalkeeper Grace Schreckengast finished with 13 saves to earn the shutout in her first career start.

How It Happened:
With the Eagles in their first official action of the year, the match started at a deliberate pace. Weenink had the first great chance of the match on a 20-yard shot that slipped just over the crossbar. The Mighty Macs scored 13 times in their opener, and they pushed forward in the middle part of the opening half. Each time, however, Schreckengast was equal to the task.

Zoe Galvin nearly broke the tie with a strong shot from the left side in the 28th minute, but her effort slipped wide.

Kellie Reith entered the match in the 32nd minute and made an impact with physical challenges for the ball in the attacking third. That effort and mobility paid dividends two minutes later when Reith got on the end of a through ball on the right side and slipped a ball across the face of the goal. The serve eluded the outstretched foot of a sliding Corinne Vecchione, but Weenink was in the right spot to pass the ball into the back of the net.

The Mighty Macs closed the first half with intense pressure on the Eastern goal. Schreckengast made six of her nine first-half saves in the final six minutes.

While Immaculata carried the early field position in the second half, the Eagles took advantage of some space in the counter. Galvin played a brillian switching ball in behind the Mighty Mac backs and Weenink took advantage of the space. The senior dribbled past the charging goalkeeper and slipped home her second of the day.

The Eagles had several chances to stretch the lead to three, but Immaculata goalkeeper Brooke Shissler made five solid stops in the second half.

The win is the first career victory for Head Coach AJ Stueck and is the first opening-day win for the Eagles since 2015.

Coach Stueck says:
"It's always good to start the season off on a wining note. With that said, we struggled to get going in the first half. We were able to show a lot of character as we responded with more energy and desire in the second half. A number of players contributed in today's win, and we're excited that our team's depth will be one of our strengths."

"Nicole was terrific today. With her on the field we are always a threat to score."

"Grace really stepped up in goal to preserve the shut out, being very sure-handed and very disciplined with her decisions off the line."

"Both Zoe and Kellie contributed a pair of necessary assists, and Lindsay Kline had a huge opening day in her first college game."

Up Next:
The Eagles play at Cabrini in an Eagle Road matchup on Wednesday evening. Eastern earned a 3-1 win over the Cavaliers in a game that was played on both campuses last season.