FULLERTON, Calif. – Vaila Barsley scored the game-winning goal in the 93rd minute to lead the St. John's women's soccer team to the 1-0 victory over Cal State Fullerton at Titan Stadium in the Red Storm’s season opener Friday night.

 
With the win, St. John’s opens the season with a 1-0 record for the fourth-straight season. With the loss, Cal State Fullerton’s record drops to 0-2 on the season.

 
Barsley’s goal was the sixth of her career and was the senior’s first-ever game-winning goal. Fellow classmate C.J. Ludemann registered the assist, tallying the fourth of her career.

 
“This was a great game and a great win to start our season,” head coach Ian Stone said. “Our defense played well and our offense pressured throughout. The goal was a set piece. Vaila really used her height and athleticism to elevate her body and head the ball past the goalie for the score. C.J. had a perfect corner kick. I am really proud of the team’s effort.”

 
Sophomore Kristin Russell got the start in net and recorded the shutout win, facing nine shots while making one save.

 
Eight St. John’s players tallied a shot in the game, led by newcomer Runa Sif Stefansdottir’s game-high four shots. The Red Storm’s offense pressured the entire game and outshot the Titans 12-9 in the contest.

 
St. John’s continued its strong defensive efforts from a year ago into the 2009 opener, as the team held Cal State Fullerton scoreless. Although the Titans pressured in the second half with seven shots, the Red Storm backline shut down the Titan charge, while the STJ offense matched Cal State Fullerton shot-for-shot in the second frame.

 
In overtime, after Cal State Fullerton failed to convert a corner 59 seconds into bonus action, the Red Storm got its chance in the 93rd minute. Ludemann took the corner and bent the ball to Barsley, who took advantage of her 6-0 height and headed the ball into the back of the net for the winner.

 
The Red Storm will continue its trip to the Golden State and will face No. 12 USC on Sunday at 6 p.m. (3 p.m. PST).