Houghton, NY – Sophomore goalkeeper Mackenzie Ryan made a career-high 10 saves in her first collegiate start, but the SUNY Canton women's soccer team dropped the season opener 6-0 to host Houghton University on Friday evening.

THE BASICS

• Result: Houghton University 6, SUNY Canton 0
• Location: Burke Field – Houghton, NY
• Records: Houghton University (1-0-0) | SUNY Canton (0-1-0)

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Elena Esh opened the scoring for the Highlanders at the 11:30 mark, outracing the Roo defenders on a well-placed ball by teammate Taylor Curyto and beating Ryan to put her team up 1-0.
• Hope Russell put Houghton up 2-0, dribbling the ball along the goal line and chipping it just past the outstretched arms of Ryan at 27:51 of the first half.
• Just five minutes later Gracelyn Williams found the back of the net off a cross from Curyto to give the Highlanders a commanding 3-0 lead going into the half.
• Two goals early in the second half by Sophia Templeton and Grace Russell extended the lead to 5-0 and Hope Russell scored her second of the game with the clock winding down on the game to secure the 6-0 victory for Houghton.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• The Highlanders dominated the stat sheet, leading in shots (26-0), shots on goal (16-0) and corner kicks (6-0).
• Hope Russell led Houghton with two goals while teammate Taylor Curyto was credited with three assists.
• Ryan was solid in her first collegiate start securing a career-high 10 saves, with seven coming in the second half of the match.
• Lucy Starzyk played the first half for the Highlanders with Preslee Miller playing in the second.  Neither keeper was credited with a save.

WHAT'S NEXT?
The Roos travel to play Hilbert College tomorrow, Saturday, August 30^th at 3 p.m.
   
About SUNY Canton
Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, and public service. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 23 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.