CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The fourth-ranked Kutztown University women's soccer team started the 2017 season on a high note Thursday afternoon. The Golden Bears traveled to the University of Charleston and shutout the 24th-ranked Golden Eagles 1-0 in the season opener at Trace Fork Soccer Complex.
 
It is the second straight season the Maroon and Gold knocked off Charleston, with KU on the winning end 2-1 during the regular season, and 1-0 in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament last year.

The win marked the program's 300th all-time victory. KU is in the midst of 15-straight winning seasons.
 
It was the fourth consecutive game dating back to the end of last season that the Golden Bears squared off against another ranked opponent. They took down fourth-ranked West Chester in the Sweet 16 and No. 7 Bridgeport in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, before falling to the No. 1 ranked team in DII Western Washington in the Final Four.
 
With another tough matchup to open the campaign, Kutztown was up for the challenge.
 
Randi Smith (Wayne, N.J./Wayne Valley) wasted little time in making her collegiate debut. The freshman scored her first career goal in the 22nd minute, off an assist from Kristina Miller (Lansdale, Pa./North Penn), which proved to be the game-winner.
 
The defense held firm for 90 minutes, minimizing any good looks in front of junior goalie Imani Taylor (Voorhees, N.J./Eastern Regional). Taylor tallied seven shutouts last season and continues that trend into this year. Morgan Staley (Landenberg, Pa./Kennett), Miller, Kaylee Kupiec (Deptford, N.J./Gloucester Catholic), Anna Hull (Mechanicsburg, Pa./Cumberland Valley) and Erica Monte Carlo (Sewell, N.J./Washington Township) all were a big part in keeping the ball out of their defensive third for a majority of the game.
 
KU outshot Charleston 16-0 including 11-0 in shots on goal. Sophomore Emily Zwiercan (Reinholds, Pa./Cocalico) led the team with three shots on goal, followed by Smith and Sam LaBianca (Beachwood, N.J./Toms River South) who each had two.
 
Kutztown returns home for a three-game homestand beginning with a Saturday afternoon tilt against Shepherd University at Keystone Field on Sept. 2. Game time is set for 1 p.m.