WOMEN’S SOCCER OPENS SEASON WITH WIN OVER NJIT

WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ – The Monmouth University women's soccer team opened its 2018 season with a 1-0 victory over visiting NJIT on Friday evening at Hesse Field on The Great Lawn. The Hawks only needed 94 seconds to surge ahead of NJIT as Dana Scheriff fired a shot off the crossbar for Monmouth's first goal of the season. The goal was set up by a feed from freshman Jill Conklin and proved to be enough to lift Monmouth to the win. Scheriff's goal off the crossbar foreshadowed a common theme for the Hawks, but they were unable to add any more to their scoreline. MAAC Preseason Player of the Year Madie Gibson hit the woodwork once in each half and forced NJIT keeper Amelia Sapirman to make a tremendous save in the 70th minute. NOTES & QUOTES "A great start to the match with an early goal, however we had the momentum but didn't capitalize on the opportunity by continuing to keep them under pressure. We've had a great preseason, but must learn how to play consistently to our strengths." – Head Coach Krissy Turner - Monmouth is 21-12-1 all-time in season opening games. - The Blue & White improved to 25-7-2 in home opening contests. - The Hawks won their fourth consecutive game against NJIT. - Monmouth leads the all-time series with NJIT 8-1-0. - The Hawks have outscored NJIT 17-0 in five meetings in West Long Branch, NJ. - Dana Scheriff, Jill Conklin, Jesi Rossman and Lauren Albergo each made their first-career starts. A'Liah Moore made her collegiate debut off the bench. - August 17 equals the earliest season-opening game in program history. NUMBERS CRUNCH - Dana Scheriff scored her fourth-career goal and third-career game winner. - Scherff's goal was Monmouth's fastest since Rachelle Ross scored 1:10 into a game against Quinnipiac on Sept. 30, 2017. - Jill Conklin assisted Scheriff's tally and registered her first-collegiate point in the process. - Amanda Knaub made her 35th consecutive start in goal and made three saves. - Knaub earned her 21st career shutout. - The Hawks finished with an 11-7 advantage in shots, and a 4-1 cushion in corner kicks. NEXT UP The Hawks will travel to Raleigh, NC on Monday evening to challenge ACC foe NC State. Opening kickoff is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on ACC Network Extra.