GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Quincy University women's soccer team showed a resilient defense with timely offense in a 1-0 season-opening win at Davenport University on Friday afternoon (Sept. 6). 

1st Half
When these two teams met last season, the Panthers and Hawks clashed in a physical matchup that saw Davenport shutting out QU 2-0. 

A year later, and the style of play remained the same. Both teams clashed early and often in the 2019 season opener, but the Hawks were the first to apply offensive pressure. 

Just two minutes into the game, QU was awarded a free kick inside the 18-yard mark of the goalie box. Paige Anderson ripped a shot towards the goal, but her shot bounced off the crossbar as the score remained tied. 

Quincy owned possession for the first part of the opening half keeping Davenport in their own territory. Lauren Crane ripped a shot on goal in the 14th minute but was turned away by the Panthers' freshman keeper, Samantha Beckles. 

Three minutes later, junior forward Riley Hayes made a run and sent a shot on goal but was unsuccessful. 

The Hawks were able to get off just four shots in the first half compared to Davenport's three. 

The Panther's best opportunity to score came late in the first half. In the 42nd minute, DU's Katherine Steiner snuck behind the QU defense and had a one-on-one opportunity in the box. Sophomore goalkeeper Emilee Autry made a diving save to keep the game scoreless going into halftime. 

Both teams combined for 15 fouls in the first half as both teams looked to assert their dominance, but neither could break through. 

2nd Half
The Hawks came out of halftime and once again pressured the Panthers defense. Paige Anderson sent a shot on goal in the 50th minute, but DU's keeper made the save. 

Quincy's persistence paid off in the 58th minute. Hawks midfielder Lauren Crane took a corner kick and sent it into the box where junior Maddie Bauer was waiting. 

Bauer was able to get the first touch and headed the ball into the net for the first goal of the 2019 season. Quincy led 1-0. 

For the remaining thirty minutes, the Hawks looked stout on defense. Davenport was not able to get a shot on goal until the 73rd minute where Autry collected a key save. 

That was Autry's only save of the second half as the Hawk defense held tight and led Quincy to a win in the season opener. 

With the 1-0 victory, sophomore goalkeeper Emilee Autry recorded her 10th career shut-out victory after earning nine shut-out wins in 2018. 

In both seasons under head coach Marc Hager, the women's program is 2-0 in season opening contests. 

Stat Leaders
Emilee Autry - 3 saves, 0 goals allowed
Maddie Bauer - Goal (1)
Lauren Crane - Assist (1)

QU's Record
1-0

Up Next
The Hawks will face #12 ranked Ferris State in a tough road contest on Sunday at noon central time.