KU Downs Furman, 3-0 in Season Opener

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Three different Jayhawks tallied goals on Friday as the University of Kansas opened the 2006 season with a 3-0 triumph over Furman at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex.

KU’s Sara Rogers and Monica Dolinsky both collected their first career goals, while senior Lacey Novak notched her first tally since her freshman year. Sophomore goalkeeper Julie Hanley made a pair of first-half saves to earn the shutout for Kansas.

“The team played very well in the second half,” KU head coach Mark Francis said. “I thought we came out a little bit flat in the first half, but we re-organized at half time. It was a good way to start out the season.”

The Jayhawks had a handful of scoring opportunities early on, but didn’t capitolize until Rogers burried a shot from 15 yards out on the far side of the box at the 41:09 mark. The play was set up by senior Nikki Alvarez’ pass, which gave Rogers position around the Furman defense.

Less than five minutes into the second half, Kansas struck again. This time Dolinsky beat the Lady Paladin defense with a shot from inside the box. Juniors Afton Sauer and Emily Strinden were credited with assists on the play.

In the 59th minute, KU closed out the scoring when senior Holly Gault sent a pass through the defense, finding Novak for the senior forward’s second career goal. It was also Gault’s 13th career assist.

The Jayhawks controlled the pace for much of the way, outshooting Furman 25-4 and holding a 5-0 advantage in corner kicks. Gault led the charge with five shots, while Novak and Missy Geha chipped in four each.

KU (1-0) will play host to Loyola Marymount Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m., at the Jayhawk Soccer Complex.