Aug. 30, 2009

Box Score
Box Score in PDF Format

NORFOLK, Va. -- Rookie forward Ashlee Coutu (Lebanon, Conn.) scored her second straight gamewinning goal and the ODU defense allowed just three shots en route to another shutout Sunday afternoon, defeating High Point University (0-4), 1-0. Old Dominion (2-1) returns to the field next weekend in Arizona, facing off against Arizona State and the University of Arizona.

In the 27th minute of action, Coutu scored her second career goal on Sunday off the third assist of the year from sophomore Victoria Johnson (Norfolk, Va.). Johnson burned past her defender on the right side, then turned and sent a cross to the far post where the unmarked freshman was able to knock it in for the only score of the game.

ODU jumped on the Panthers early, with rookie Aubrie Ewell (Richmond, Va.) getting a breakaway shot attempt in the first minute of play, but sent her shot high. The Lady Monarchs continued to pressure the High Point defense, taking 11 shots in the first frame including five on-goal.

With a 1-0 lead, ODU continued to push in the second half, led by sophomore Rachael Carroll (Worthington, Ohio) and Coutu. Both took a pair of shots that were laced on-net, but High Point senior keeper Marisa Abbott saved each. Abbott saved a season-high 10 on the day, including six in the second half.

The starting defense, led by seniors Brittney Kortz (Yorktown, Va.) and Kirstin Walker (Inwood, W. Va.), as well as Carroll and sophomore Lisa Bernardini (Langhorne, Pa.) managed to keep their opponents off the board for a second consecutive game. The clean sheet came after allowing just three shots and just one on-goal.

In goal, the rookie tandem of Laura Bush (Ft. Thomas, Ky.) and Bri Alvarado (Cincinnati, Ohio) pitched another shutout, with Bush getting her first career win.

The Lady Monarchs outshot the Panthers, 21-3, in the game. ODU has now outscored opponents 33-3 in the last 12 home games dating back to last season, posting a 10-0-2 mark with 10 shutouts.

ODU will now travel to Arizona this weekend to face Pac-10 opponents Arizona State and the University of Arizona. Kick-off against the Sun Devils will be Friday night at 10:00 pm EST.

HPU   0-0=0
ODU   1-0=1
26:08   ODU   Coutu, Ashlee (2) from Johnson
Shots: HPU (3), ODU (21)
Corner Kicks: HPU (0), ODU (6)
Saves: HPU-Abbott (10); ODU-Bush (0), Alvarado (1)