Grinnell College’s women’s soccer team opened the 2010 campaign in stellar fashion Wednesday, blanking Central College 3-0 at Pella in non-conference action.
Cynthia Dominguez ’12 (pictured) had a goal and assist for the Pioneers, while a pair of first-years – Patty Murphy-Geiss ’14 and Mackenzie Shanahan ’14 – also scored. Murphy-Geiss’ goal came a mere 1:15 into the game when she found the back of the net on an assist by Dominguez.
Grinnell led 1-0 at halftime after getting outshot 8-4, but the offense exploded in the second half and went on to outshoot Central 14-7. Dominguez scored in the 59th minute on an assist by Kathryn Vincent ’13, while Shanahan completed the scoring in the 76th minute when she emerged from a scramble in the box to put the ball in the goal.
Overall, Grinnell outshot Central 18-15 with Vincent taking an incredible nine shots. Murphy-Geiss had three shots and Dominguez two.
Veteran keepers Laura McElroy ’11 and Ingrid Wennerberg ’11 each played a half for Grinnell while combining for the shutout. McElroy had two saves and Wennerberg five.
“It was wonderful to get contributions from so many players,” said Grinnell coach Heather Benning. “It’s definitely encouraging to start the season like this and to see our team dominate in the second half.”
Grinnell travels to Decorah to face another Iowa Conference team, Luther College. Game time is 2 p.m.
