ADRIAN, Mich. -- The Kenyon College women's soccer team got off to a strong start in its 2023 campaign as the Owls secured a 2-0 shutout victory on the road against Adrian College (0-1). 

Both the Owls and Bulldogs got off to slow starts, as the teams may have had some rust to shake off coming out of the offseason. The squads combined for just four first-half shots, two apiece, but Kenyon had the better looks as both of their attempts were on target compared to Adrian's off-target chances.

Things quickly changed in the second half as Adrian's first substantial chance at a goal came in the 48th minute. The Bulldogs put the second half's first shot on target, but Kenyon's Gabi Pesticci secured her first save of the season to keep the slate clean.

A few minutes later, Sadie Gould made the most of Kenyon's first second-half assault. The senior midfielder reprised her role as the Owls' leading scorer last season, putting Kenyon ahead 1-0 in the 62nd minute. Gould was in the right place at the right time as she found the middle of an empty net after Adrian's keeper went to the ground trying to block a cross by Morgan Baker.

The home team responded with an offensive onslaught, including three shots on goal over two minutes, but Pesticci preserved the lead with a few fantastic stops, including thwarting what should have been an easy tap-in for Adrian.

The Bulldogs kept the pressure on and outshot Kenyon 7-3 in the second half, but Baker put the icing on the cake when she converted a penalty kick, courtesy of a strong offensive push by Eun Hae Lillig, in the 80th minute. 

Kenyon immediately puts its newly-earned undefeated record to the test as the Owls remain in Michigan for their second game in as many days. Tomorrow, September 2, Kenyon lines up against Alma College (0-1) in Alma, Michigan. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.