Behind a pair of first-half goals, the Saint Joseph's women's soccer team opened its 2024 season with a 2-1 victory over local rival Drexel on Friday evening at Sweeney Field.

How It Happened
• St. Joe's rookie Gracie Salais gave the Hawks an early lead as she pounced on a rebound off a header by Nicole Everard to score her first collegiate goal and make it 1-0 at 6:11.
• Emily Hanrahan extended Saint Joseph's lead to 2-0 on a goal from the left wing to the lower right corner at 42:09 after a leading pass from Jaliyn Parrotte.
• Drexel cut its deficit in half early into the second period as Elise Duffy scored on the rebound off a penalty kick at 57:57 to make it 2-1.
• The Dragons continued to challenge the Hawks trying to score the equalizer, but St. Joe's defense and goalkeeper Katie Cappelletti turned away Drexel at every opportunity to secure the victory.

Inside The Boxscore
• Cappelletti made a game-high four saves to earn the victory.
• Natalie Nevins earned an assist on Hanrahan's goal.

Up Next
The Hawks host Lafayette on Thursday, August 22 at 5 p.m.