SCRANTON, Pa. – The University of Scranton women’s soccer team scored twice in the opening 15 minutes, then put the defensive clamps on cross-town rival Marywood University en route to a 2-0 victory at Pacers Field on Wednesday evening.

The Royals (2-4-2) received goals from sophomore midfielder Ellen Walker (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty) and junior forward Samantha Russo (Yorktown Heights, N.Y./Yorktown) while posting their second straight victory.

Walker’s goal came just 3:01 into the game when she knocked in a rebound of her own shot for her first goal of the season and first of her career. It also marked the second straight game the Royals scored in the opening five minutes; they also scored early in a 3-0 victory over Delaware Valley on Saturday, Sept. 15, at Fitzpatrick Field.

Russo gave Scranton a bit of breathing room at the 13:59 mark when she headed in a rebound off her own shot for her first goal of the season. She now has 18 career goals, which moves her into a tie for 20th all-time at Scranton.

Scranton controlled the action most of the night, outshooting Marywood, 17-6, and holding a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks. Junior goalkeeper Kelsy McAnelly (West Chester, Pa./Villa Maria Academy) made three saves in the victory.

The Royals are now 2-0 all-time against the Pacers, adding tonight’s victory to a 1-0 win at Fitzpatrick Field last season.

Marywood (1-5) received five saves from freshman goalie Victoria Pezdirtz (Garnet Valley, Pa./Padua Academy) in the first half while sophomore goalie Emily Osborne (Lititz, Pa./Warwick) made two stops in the second half.

Scranton returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 22, when it opens Landmark Conference play by hosting Goucher College at 1 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Field.

--ROYALS--