Field Hockey Prevails in Season Opener

WEST CHESTER, Pa. - The Golden Rams began their 2016 campaign on a high note by defeating Limestone College, 5-4, Saturday afternoon inside Vonnie Gros Field. West Chester scored early in the contest as junior Morgan Snodgrass (Egg Harbor, N.J./Egg Harbor Twp.) found Marnie Kusakavitch (Pittston, Pa./Holy Redeemer) to give the Golden Rams their first goal of the season. From that point on, West Chester would never trail in the game. Nearly three minutes later, junior Rachal Toppi (Glassboro, N.J./Glassboro) added to the lead with an assist coming from freshman midfielder Katie Thompson (Washington, N.J./Warren Hills). Limestone would cut the deficit in half with an unassisted goal scored by Marina Jozokos at the 13:54 mark. West Chester's Thompson was not finished yet, finding the back of the net for her first collegiate goal right before the half. Momentum swung towards West Chester right out of the half as Toppi tallied her second goal of the day. Recording the assist on the play was fellow junior Nikki Bennett (Littlestown, Pa./Gettyburg). Limestone would tack on another goal by Cassidy Coates to keep it close. Another freshman on the roster who registered their first collegiate goal was Caitlin Kelly (Coatesville, Pa./Bishop Shanahan), while Toppi received the assist. Toppi finished the day with a pair of goals and an assist. A pair of late goals by Kate Remley put Limestone within striking distance. However, West Chester was able to hold onto the one goal lead for the last two minutes. Limestone's Delaney Gitt recorded six saves in net, while giving up five goals in 70 minutes of play. Senior Sarah Krause (Lancaster, Pa./Conestoga Valley) picks up the win in net for the Golden Rams. Krause surrendered four goals, but made five saves in 70 minutes of action. The Golden Rams return tomorrow as they host another non-conference opponent in Saint Anselm College inside Vonnie Gros Field at 1 p.m.