Saginaw Valley Upends Truman Women In Season Opener

UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – Two early scores by Saginaw Valley State spoiled the season opener for the Truman Women's Soccer team on Friday. The Cardinals struck just three minutes into the match and again in the 23^rd minute to down the Bulldogs 3-1. Truman will play Davenport (Mich.) on Sunday at 11 a.m. eastern time.

The Cardinals (1-0) outshot the Bulldogs 20-6 with nine on net to Truman's three.

SVSU's Amy Babon chipped in the ball from 35 yards out and Reegan Kingpavong beat Beth Hopwood to the loose ball to poke it into the net for the opening goal.

The duo hooked up again only it was Kingpavong that played the ball on a cross from the right side that was banged into the net off the near post from the foot of Babon to put the Cardinals up 2-0.

Faith Branson brought Truman back to within one just two minutes into the second half. The Cardinal keeper punted the ball directly to a Bulldog midfielder. Hanna Hickey got control and fed Branson, who had her back turned to the Saginaw goal. She turned to her left while delivering the strike from just inside the 18-yard box and hit found the back of the net to make it 2-1. It was Branson's 12^th career goal.

The Cardinals went on the offensive again with Hopwood having to make the save on a shot by Kelly Solana. Stephanie Strong broke free down the left side and banked it off the far post but gathered the rebound as it came right back to her as she put it in the goal to give Saginaw their two-goal lead again in the 52^nd minute.

With under 20 minutes remaining a long ball broke a foward free with Camryn Sprague having to give chase. After the ball eluded Hopwood, Sprague was able to clear the ball over her own net to save the score.
Truman's best chance late came following a yellow card issued to Saginaw Valley. On the ensuing free kick with just over eight minutes to play. Kate Peterson served the ball into the box but Hickey's header sailed just wide of the target.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#3 Faith Branson: F; 5' 6"; Senior

#7 Hanna Hickey: M; 5' 7"; Senior

#0 Beth Hopwood: GK; 5' 7"; Junior

#17 Kate Peterson: D; 5' 8"; Redshirt Junior

#4 Camryn Sprague: D; 5' 6"; Redshirt Senior

Players Mentioned

#3 Faith Branson
: 5' 6"; Senior
: F

#7 Hanna Hickey
: 5' 7"; Senior
: M

#0 Beth Hopwood
: 5' 7"; Junior
: GK

#17 Kate Peterson
: 5' 8"; Redshirt Junior
: D

#4 Camryn Sprague
: 5' 6"; Redshirt Senior
: D