The Wingate University women’s soccer team controlled play in the season opener while scoring two first-half goals to take a 2-0 victory over the Coker College Cobras on Saturday afternoon. The match was played at Irwin Belk Stadium and John R. Martin Field on the Wingate campus while final preparations are being made at the newly renovated Wingate Soccer Complex.

Sophomore forward Jenni Barbett (Severn, Md.) got the scoring started at the 5:35 mark of the first half, nailing a shot into the left side of the goal from just beyond the 10 yard box. Wingate would continue to keep the ball on the Cobras side of the field for the majority of the first half, and would strike again at the 38:54 mark when freshman midfielder Megan Mastalerz (Elkridge, Md.) took a long pass from freshman midfielder Kelsey McCormick (Hockessin, Del.) and found the back of the net.

Wingate out-shot Coker 25-2 and held a 9-0 advantage in shots-on-goal. Hannah Holsclaw (Matthews, N.C.) led the Bulldog offensive attack, registering six shots, including three on-goal. Senior goalkeeper Kathryn Smith (Indian Trial, N.C.) went the distance in the nets for the Bulldogs to pick up the shutout. Coker freshman goalkeeper Chelsea Beetch (Palmer, Alaska) racked up seven saves for the Cobras.

Wingate improves to 1-0 and will remain at home to host Queens University on September 2 at Irwin Belk Stadium. That match is set to begin at 5 p.m. Coker falls to 0-1 and will travel to Brevard College on September 6 to face the Tornados at 5 p.m.