WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ - The Monmouth University women's soccer team improved to 3-0 on the 2015 season behind its third straight shutout to open the year, as the Hawks defeated NJIT 2-0 on Friday night at Hesse Field. Monmouth, which last opened a campaign with three consecutive shutout wins in 2010, received goals from the last two MAAC Rookie of the Year award winners Alexis McTamney (Bordentown, NJ/Bordentown Regional) and Rachelle Ross (Mount Laurel, NJ/Lenape) in the victory.

"Tonight was a very solid performance," stated head coach Krissy Turner, whose Hawks have now posted 30 shutouts in their last 43 matches. " I have been encouraging our team to put together 90 minutes and tonight we did that."

Monmouth opened the scoring in the fifth minute when Julie Spracklin (Eastampton, NJ/Rancocas Valley Regional) sent a corner kick service into the box that McTamney one-timed with her right foot into the netting for the junior's first goal of the season, 18th of her career and the forward's ninth career game-winner.

The Hawks doubled their advantage in the 73rd minute when a foul just outside the NJIT box led to a free kick for the Blue & White. Senior midfielder Brianne Boyle (Hazlet, NJ/Raritan) fired a shot on frame which hit off the crossbar and Ross drilled home the rebound for her first tally of the season.

Monmouth (3-0) outshot the Highlanders 24-7 overall in the match, forcing Samantha Bersett to make nine saves. Junior Sydney Lavan (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) made four stops in net for the Hawks for her third straight clean sheet in her third start. Monmouth also held a 10-2 edge in corner kick opportunities.

Monmouth returns to action on Tuesday, September 1, when the Hawks host Fairleigh Dickinson University on Hesse Field at 7:00 p.m., when the program will host Team Impact Night. The match is set to air on ESPN3.

@MUWSoccer -- #FlyHawks

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