SYRACUSE, N.Y. – Senior Clodagh Ferry had the first two-goal game of her career to lead the Catamounts as Vermont (1-0, 0-0 America East) defeated Sacred Heart (0-2, 0-0 NEC) 3-0 Saturday afternoon in a neutral site non-conference contest from Syracuse University.

RELATED LINKS
Box Score (.pdf)
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COACH'S QUOTE
"This was a solid team effort and I think our players gained experience and confidence on the pitch today that will help us moving forward," head coach Kate Pfeifer said. "Specifically, the corner execution was on point and there was a strong defensive presence that helped us control possession in the first two quarters."
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The Catamounts opened the scoring just 1:26 into the first quarter. Senior Lydia Maitland notched her second career goal with the assist going to Eileen King. With the helper King picked up her first career point.
• Vermont almost doubled its advantage following pressure from its first corner of the afternoon. With 2:21 left in the first quarter Ferry rang a shot off the post.
• On the Catamounts fourth corner of the first half Ferry did convert for her first goal of the season. Ferry's tally with 5:35 left in the second quarter was assisted by Haley Buffenbarger and Maddie Moran.
• The Vermont defense didn't allow a single shot on goal in the first half and carried a 2-0 edge into halftime.
• Ferry picked up her second goal of the afternoon just 1:35 into the third frame. The Catamounts struck again off their fourth corner in succession to start the second half. Ferry's second goal of the game was assisted by first years Sophia Drees and Alina Gerke.
• Sierra Espeland made two saves in the second half to seal the sixth shutout of her career.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Maitland's early tally marked the second straight season that UVM has scored in the opening five minutes of their season opener. Last year at UMass Kate Hall scored 4:25 into the contest.
• Vermont's 3-0 win over Sacred Heart is the first time since 2017 that the Catamounts have won their season opener. On August 25, 2017, they defeated Siena 3-1 at Moulton Winder Field.
• UVM's last season-opening win away from home before today came on August 25, 2007 as they defeated St. Louis 3-0 at UNH.
• With today's win, Vermont Mutual Insurance Group will donate $100 to Vermont Foodbank as part of the Cats Win, Community Wins initiative. Vermont Mutual has committed to donating $15,000 to Vermont Foodbank for the 2021 season. A special thank you to Vermont Mutual Insurance for their support. Vermont Mutual Insurance, protecting Vermonters since 1828.

WHO'S NEXT
The Catamounts return to action tomorrow afternoon as they face No. 14 Syracuse at 2 p.m. from J.S. Coyne Stadium. Sunday's game against Syracuse can be seen on ACC Network Extra. Fans can use the ESPN app to watch the game by signing in with their cable provider. ACC Network Extra is included if the cable or streaming provider carries the ACC Network.