Box Score

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. – Junior Gayle Kuntzmann finished off an early scoring chance with what proved to be her eighth career game-winning goal as the Lady Raider soccer team opened its 2008 season with a 1-0 victory over visiting Philadelphia Friday night at David See Field.

The victory marks the second consecutive season-opening shutout for senior Beth Long, who made two saves to earn the victory. It is the 11th shutout in her career. Additionally, Shippensburg head coach Rob Fulton has now coordinated a season-opening shutout in all three of his openers while at the helm of the Lady Raiders.

The Lady Raider offense was consistently aggressive and kept the visiting Rams (0-1) reeling for most of the contest. Kuntzmann was able to convert on one of the game's first chances, following up a blocked shot of her own by ripping a ball into the lower left corner of the net to give Shippensburg the lead.

Shippensburg was nearly able to stretch its lead in the second half, but junior Lauren Estrain had her penalty kick stopped by Philadelphia senior goalkeeper Sara Hall. The Lady Raiders out-shot the Rams 14-3 and did not allow a corner kick for the duration of the contest.

The Lady Raiders will return to action on Sunday, hosting the University of Charleston in a match that is scheduled for 1 p.m.