(ADA, Okla.) – The 2018 campaign got off to a great start for Texas Woman's University as the Pioneers found the back of the net twice late in the second half to defeat East Central, 2-0, Friday afternoon.

"It's a great feeling to start off the 2018 season with a victory," Head Coach Babak Abouzar said.  "It is nice to see our team respond with resilience against a quality East Central team.  The effort was there for the majority of the game.  We must continue to improve on executing in our final third."

In the 83^rd minute, TWU got the ball on a counter attack and transitioned quickly.  Senior Libby Murphy played a perfect ball to the feet of freshman Riley Sutton at the top of the 18-yard box.  Sutton's hard strike sailed out of the keeper's reach into the right side of the goal to put the Pioneers up, 1-0.

Less than five minutes later, senior Lauren Neely gathered the ball at midfield and played it out wide right for sophomore Jazmine Navarro.  Seeing the keeper off her line, Navarro took a touch and then launched the ball over the goalie's head as TWU went up, 2-0.

The Pioneers played in their offensive third for most of the game, totaling 19 shots including seven shots on goal.  ECU (1-1) was constantly fighting off the TWU attack, led by sophomore Haley Ward who had a game-high six shots, and relinquished eight corner kicks.

Junior keeper Daniela Marin earned her first victory in goal as a Pioneer with two shots saved.

"Any time you can hold a team to only two shots on goal shows that your team is committed to playing solid defense for a full 90," Abouzar said.

The Pioneers (1-0) are looking to keep this momentum going as they open their home schedule Monday at noon against Westminster College.  Special festivities are planned for this game as it is also the grand opening of Pioneer Soccer Park, TWU Soccer's new home venue.  Admission is free and fans are invited to come early to enjoy free lunch provided by Outback Steakhouse and free shaved ice from Kona Ice.  A commemorative grand opening t-shirt will also be given away.  Gates open at 10:30 a.m.