The Basics

• Score: VCU 4, Old Dominion 2
• Records: VCU (1-0), Old Dominion (0-1)
• Location: VCU's SportsBackers Stadium – Richmond, Va.
• The Short Story: Freshman Kelly Graves had a goal and an assist as the VCU women's soccer team posted a decisive 4-2 win over in-state rival Old Dominion in both teams season opener on Friday night in front of a great crowd at SportsBackers Stadium. Graves was joined by freshman Maddi Santo, senior Sharon Wojcik and sophomore Megan Dell as the goal scorers on the night.

How It Happened

• VCU was aggressive early on the offensive attack with senior Kailyn Slade getting loose in the sixth minute and firing a shot from just inside the box, but it was turned away.
• The Rams got on the board in the 17^th minute when freshman Julia Suarez sent a corner kick into the box. After the ball bounced around, sophomore Megan Dell gathered the loose ball and found the back of the net to give VCU a 1-0 lead.
• Less than 10 minutes later, senior Sharon Wojick's header nearly made it 2-0, but it went just wide.
• With less than five minutes remaining in the half, junior Tori Burress' shot from just outside the box went just high as the game went into the break with VCU leading 1-0.
• Suarez continued to pressure ODU in the second half, firing a shot just high in the 56^th minute.
• Old Dominion evened the score in the 59^th minute, but just four minutes later Graves got past her defender in the box, but was taken down and VCU was awarded a penalty kick. Wojcik promptly deposited her shot into the back of the net to grab the 2-1 lead.
• 15 minutes later, Graves shot bounced around in front and classmate Maddi Santo pushed it home to give VCU a 3-1 lead in the 79^th minute.
• Graves got her own goal in the 84^th minute when she blasted a shot from 30 yards out into the top of the net to extend the VCU cushion to 4-1.
• ODU got a goal in the last five minutes, but it wasn't enough as the Rams secured the season opening win.

Up Next

• The Rams return to SportsBackers Stadium on Sunday to face Marshall. The game is slated for 1:00 p.m. kickoff.