The stage was set perfectly for a strong Spartan sports season kickoff at DiSanto field on a beautiful Friday night. The women’s soccer team delivered.

The Spartan kicked off the first home game of the 2014-2015 sports season with a 2-0 win over the visiting Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops. The Spartans played strong soccer, consistently connecting on passes and cutting through the Bishop’s midfield with ease most of the game. The style of controlled play worked for the Spartans but was an exercise in patience as they looked for opportunities to strike.

A few strong runs early in the first half ended with tough shots to the keeper, or well placed crosses where the receiving Spartan simply ran out of room down the line. Finally with just pass the 36 minute mark in Spartan substitute Mahya Krouse got a hold of a solidcross and sent it rocketing into the box. The Ohio Wesleyan keeper made a great diving stop but saw it rebound perfectly to the crashing Jennifer Zajic who put the ball into the back of the net for the first Spartan goal.

The Bishops tried to battle back and the tempo rapidly increased as the added pressure started to wear away at the Spartan system. Case Western narrowly missed a chance to go up by two in the first half as time expired and their corner kick was deflected wide of the goal.

It was more of the same as the two teams returned for the second half as Spartans controlled the possession game through solid technique, coverage, and teamwork.

Krouse ,who saw her earlier shot be deflected and put in the net by Zajic, took matters into her own hands when she found room between the posts off a beautiful unassisted run to put the Bishops away with just under five minutes left in the game.

The 1-0 Spartans return to action on Sunday when they play away at Thomas More.