Brock Women's Soccer defeats Nipissing 5-2

ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - The Brock University women's soccer team opened exhibition action with a 5-2 victory over the visiting Nipissing Lakers.

"In exhibition play it gives us as coaches an opportunity to see new players in a game setting. This is the main objective of pre-season games," said head coach Charles Ivanov. "Our returnees continue to improve and we have a number of players battling for a spot on our team this season."

Junior forward Cassandra Van Bakel (Aurora, Ont.) opened the scoring early in the first half. Coming off a strong sophomore season in 2008, look for Van Bakel to team up with Jill Geier (Ancaster,Ont.) up front for the Badgers in 2009. Both players have been among OUA leading scorers in each of their first two seasons.

Lisa D'Aguanno (Richmond Hill, Ont.) gave the Badgers a 2-0 lead midway through the first half, before the Lakers answered back trailing 2-1 after 45 minutes.

In the second half, it was the Badgers controlling the majority of the play answering three times with goals from senior midfielder Ali Gartley (Camlachie, Ont.) on a penalty kick, Alex Esposito (Mississauga, Ont.) and an own goal on the fifth which was set up by Geier.

In goal, junior Syreeta Rhoden (Niagara Falls, Ont.) and freshman Meagan Milton each played one half in the victory.

The Badgers play host to Laurentian Saturday morning at 11am.

Scoring Summary

1st Half

Brock - Van Bakel

Brock - D'Aguanno

Nipissing

2nd Half

Brock - Gartley (PK)

Brock - Esposito

Nipissing

Brock - own goal