Klusek Scores twice to lead Women's Soccer to 3-2 win over Wooster in season opener

By: Andrew Korba

ADA — Freshman Kristina Klusek scored two goals, including the game winner in the 85th minute, to lead the Ohio Northern women's soccer team to a 3-2 victory over the College of Wooster, Thursday afternoon at the ONU Soccer Field.

With the win, the Polar Bears improve to 1-0-0 while the Scots fall to 0-1-0.

Klusek's goal in the 85th minute came on a cross deep in Wooster's territory from sophomore Sami Atkinson. Klusek headed it in to the left corner for the game winner.

Northern got on the scoreboard first in the 22nd minute when Klusek put in a bouncer over the goalie's head.

The Scots responded in the 31st minute when junior Kendal Wong passed to junior Paige Piper, who rocketed a shot into the goal to tie the score at 1-1.

Ohio Northern then took the lead back in the 55th minute when senior Alyssa Merrick took a pass from sophomore Abbie Schauble and put it into the net from the right side.

Wooster would tie it in the 83rd minute when senior Bri Fulmer converted a penalty kick.

The Polar Bear's then took the lead for good with Klusek's second score of the evening.

"Today was a solid first game for us, but we still have a long road ahead," head coach Mark Batman said. "I thought we had some good moments and were prepared as we can be at this point of the season."

The Northern defense was solid all game, allowing only four shots on goal and seven shots overall. The Polar Bears fired 15 shots, nine of which were on goal. Junior goalkeeper Erin Waehner picked up her first win of the season and posted two saves.

The Polar Bears will be in action again Saturday when they travel to Indiana to face Earlham at 1 p.m.