The Muskingum women's soccer team controlled play throughout the contest en route to winning its home opener against Bethany on Wednesday night, 3-1.
The win moves the Muskies to 2-0-1 overall. Muskingum next hosts Thiel for Parents' Day on Saturday, September 6. Game time is slated for 1:00 p.m. in McConagha Stadium.
Bethany grabbed the early momentum after withstanding an onslaught of shots by the Muskies in the opening five minutes of play. Julie Slezak scored on a 2v1 breakaway to put the Bison up 1-0 in the sixth minute. Michaela Hinerman was credited with the assist.
Muskingum responded in the ninth minute when senior captain Moriah Mathies blasted a shot to the far post past a diving Taylor Sasak to tie the game. Mathies' tally was setup by senior Carissa Myler's assist.
Mathies gave the Muskies the lead for good on a free kick from the top of the box that was blasted to the lower 90. The goal-scoring opportunity was set up after a yellow card was issued to Bethany's keeper Taylor Sasak. The two-goal surge by Mathies lifts her to eighth all-time in career points at Muskingum with 29 (10 goals, 9 assists).
Junior Kelsey Overley completed the scoring in the 81st minute after Sasak bobbled a cross by freshman Maddie Stones and deposited the loose ball in the back of the net. The goal was the first of Overley's career.
Muskingum ended the outing with a 32-10 advantage in shots and 9-3 edge in corner kicks. Mathies led the charge with seven shots, while junior Summer Setliff and sophomore Morgan Price each had five strikes.
Sophomore keeper Liz Mitchell played all 90 minutes in frame and recorded four saves and allowed one goal.
Bethany was paced by Slezak who logged five shots and had one goal.
Sasak played 76 minutes in goal and made eight saves and allowed two goals.