THE RUNDOWN  
No. 18 DBU Women's Soccer Team opened their season with a 2-0 win over Southwestern Oklahoma State on Saturday at Patriot Soccer Field. A goal in each half hoisted the Patriots to their first win of the season as the Bulldogs were unable to make any advances. The goals came from junior Parker Coe's 35-yard shot in the first half and Joeli Benson's header inside the box.  

DBU began the first half strong, keeping the ball on their scoring half. Sophomore Elise Boarders took the first shot for the Patriots just high of the net, but a shot by Parker Coe just three minutes later resulted in a 1-0 lead for DBU. Kaleigh Naizer passed to Coe who dribbled the ball down the center of the pitch. After crossing over half field, Coe saw a shot opportunity and took it. Her 35-yard shot in the seventh minute went barreling into the top right corner of the goal, giving the Patriots a lead early on.  

At halftime, DBU was up 1-0 and the Bulldogs remained shotless. The Patriots controlled possession, making five shot attempts before DBU's second goal was scored. Haley Roberson crossed to Joeli Benson inside the box, and Benson headed the ball past SWOSU goalkeeper Terra Rybuck for her sixth career goal in the 59th minute. The Bulldogs continued to fight for possession and earned their first shot on goal on a free kick in the 87th minute, but the attempt was deflected by DBU goalkeeper Breanna Bowen. Boarders made the final shot attempt with 12 seconds left which was blocked, and the Patriots closed their season opener with a 2-0 win.  

THREE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW  

• Senior Breanna Bowen started on the net for the Patriots. She earned the fifth shutout of her career in just her eighth career start. 

• Two freshmen saw playing time in the game. Grace Berry, the freshman forward from Newark, was featured in the Patriot starting lineup. Hannah Montoya, the midfielder from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma saw 38 minutes of playing time. 

• In the 2023 season, DBU earned 14 clean sheets during the season. Now, they begin the 2024 season with one.  

INSIDE THE NUMBERS  

22- DBU attempted 22 shots in the 90 minutes, 11 of which were shots on goal. This ties the program record of shots per game set last season against Colorado Mines. 

10- The Patriots and Bulldogs each had 10 fouls at the conclusion of the game.  

90- Three players spent all 90 minutes on the pitch, including Anne Louthan, Parker Coe, Breanna Bowen.

HEAD COACH MARCUS WOOD ON THE WIN  

UP NEXT  
DBU prepares to host MSU Denver at Patriot Soccer Field on Thursday, September 12 at 7 P.M.