Julian leads women’s soccer team to a 3-1 win over Huntington in season-opener

OLIVET, Mich. -- Junior Lizzy Julian (Mattawan) scored two first half goals to lead the Olivet College women's soccer team to a 3-1 win over Huntington (Ind.) University in its season-opener this afternoon at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet.

Julian's first goal came just 1 minute, 32 seconds in the game, and it was also the Comets' first shot of the game and season. After receiving a cross from sophomore Becca Gaarde (Parma/Western), Julian buried the shot over the goalkeeper's head. The Foresters tied the game at 1-1 with a goal in the 14th minute.

Julian scored the game-winning goal at the 23:24 mark after her shot took a bounce over the keeper's head and into the goal. There was no more scoring until the 25th minute of the second half when junior Danielle Mellor (Macomb/Regina) blasted a free kick from 35 yards out into the back of the goal.

Olivet finished the game with a 24-14 advantage in shots. Julian led the way with eight, while Mellor and senior Katie Koralewski (Sterling Heights/Stevenson) had seven and three, respectively. Playing in her first game for the Comets, senior Alyssa Budros (Traverse City/ Central) played all 90 minutes in goal and made seven saves.

"Getting a win was a good start to the season," said Julian. "It was also great to get a win at home. I am happy to have scored two goals."

Olivet will travel to Oshkosh, Wis., this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 4-5, to participate in the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Cup. On Saturday, the Comets will play the host Titans at 11 a.m. CT, and on Sunday, they will play Carthage (Wis.) College at 1:30 p.m. CT.