The Lady Bearcats opened the 2009 season with a 3-0 victory over visiting Oberlin College.

Saint Vincent got off to a fast start, with a Tonya David goal, assisted by Maryellen Baverso, giving the Lady Bearcats a 1-0 lead just under two minutes into play.

The hosts continued to put pressure on the Oberlin defense, posting five shots on goal and three penalty corners in the first 18 minutes, but were unable to add to their early lead.

The Lady Bearcat defense was also strong in the first half, blocking five Oberlin shots, while goalie Jackie Novak made a trio of saves, sending the game into halftime with SVC still leading 1-0.

As was the case in the first half, the Lady Bearcats came out of the intermission on fire, posting three shots on goal in the first minute, before Sam Larkin scored her first goal of the afternoon, assisted by David, 1:56 into the second stanza.

Saint Vincent continued to control the play over the second half, and at one point held Oberlin without a shot attempt over a 13-minute span.  Larkin was then able to give the Lady Bearcats some more breathing room, scoring her second goal of the half off of a rebound on the doorstep to close the scoring out for the day with just over five minutes left in regulation.

For the game, Saint Vincent held a 21-8 advantage in shots, including a 16-4 mark over the final 35 minutes.  Novak ended the afternoon with four saves to earn the shutout. 

"I'm happy we were able to come out strong to pick up a win on opening day," said Lady Bearcat head coach Jym Walters.  "It was a pretty solid effort throughout."

SVC now faces a quick turnaround before returning to action Wednesday afternoon, traveling to Frostburg State for a 4pm contest.

"I'm looking forward to a strong showing at Frostburg," said Walters.  "Today's win should give us some confidence heading down there."

PHOTO (By Brittany Concepcion):  Saint Vincent junior Sam Larkin scored a pair of goals in the Lady Bearcats' 3-0 season-opening win over Oberlin