The Middlebury women's soccer team scored 33 seconds into the game, and was able to hang on, to start the season with a 1-0 win.
 
HIGHLIGHTS

• The Panthers wasted little time, jumping on the scoreboard with 33 ticks off the clock. Carolina Espinosa serviced the ball to the left side of the post where Abby Ward was there to volley the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal.
• Ward looked to double the Middlebury lead at the 4:19 mark, but her attempt was thwarted by Clark goalie Anabella White.
• Selene Hammad nearly evened the score during the 30th minute, but the Cougar's bid sailed just above the crossbar.
• The Panthers had a quality chance just under three minutes into the second half, but Lucy Patton's opportunity was denied by White.
• At 77:47, Middlebury had a good look to increase the advantage, but Espinosa's shot ricocheted off of the post.
• Madeleine Reeves nearly tied the contest with five minutes remaining, but Panther goalie Sydney Poppinga denied the chance to keep her shutout intact. 

NOTES

• With today's win, the Panthers have claimed ten-straight season openers dating back to 2014.
• Over the last six seasons, Middlebury owns a 37-15-6 mark on the road.
• The programs played for just the fourth time, and the first time in over two decades, with the Panthers owning a 3-1 advantage. 

Middlebury starts NESCAC play on Saturday when it hosts Hamilton at 11:00 am.