WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ - The Monmouth University women's soccer team opened its 2015 campaign with a 1-0 victory over Marshall on Hesse Field on The Great Lawn, as junior Rachael Ivanicki (Marlboro, NJ/Colts Neck) netted the game-winner in her Hawks' debut. In the 10th minute, Monmouth played a free kick out wide to junior Julie Spracklin (Eastampton, NJ/Rancocas Valley Regional), who sent a cross into the box, which Ivanicki headed in past Marshall's Lizze Kish. Monmouth head coach Krissy Turner said, "It was a great goal for Rachael off a tremendous assist from Julie." The Hawks, who started the season with a shutout in junior Sydney Lavan's (Jackson, NJ/Jackson Memorial) first career start, have registered 28 shutouts in their last 41 matches. Turner added, "We did enough to prevent them from scoring, and in our first game of the year, it is a good way to get started." Ivanicki nearly made the match 2-0 with 23 minutes remaining, but her shot was cleared off the line by Kayla Byrneside. Marshall was awarded a penalty kick with 15:44 left in the game, but Sydney Arnold's attempt hit off the post. The Thundering Herd (0-1) outshot Monmouth 12-11, including 7-2 in the second half, while Lavan made six saves in her first career win in the Blue & White. Kish made four stops for Marshall. Monmouth returns to action on Monday, August 24 when the Hawks travel to Loyola University for a 7:00 p.m. match at the Ridley Athletic Complex. @MUWSoccer -- #FlyHawks