COLUMBUS – Entering the 2015 season with high expectations, the fifth-ranked Columbus State University women's soccer team got two goals from freshman Olivia Jarrell to upend Lynn 2-0 in the season opener Friday. The match took place at the Walden Soccer Complex and was a part of the CSU Collegiate Invitational.

"This was a tough first match of the year for us because Lynn challenged us for the whole 90 minutes," said head coach Jay Entlich. "Olivia made some plays for us in her first action on the field and it's always great to see freshmen making an impact."

Through the first 20 minutes, the two teams were getting a feel for the pace of action.

Lynn had a few opportunities in the opening 20 minutes as a Donish Cole header and a Jordyn Turner shot had to be saved by Lady Cougar goalkeeperMaylyn Parsons.

However, from there the Lady Cougars began to control play. In the 26^thminute, Jarrell entered the match, stepping on the pitch for the first time as a collegiate athlete. 

Less than 30 seconds later, Jarrell made her presence felt as she blasted a shot from 25 yards out that beat a leaping Alexa Downie in net for her first collegiate goal.

"I knew I had to make an impact when I first stepped on the field," stated Jarrell. "I was just happy that I could contribute to our win tonight."

By the 28^th minute, Jarrell did it again, this time taking a nice pass from Nicole Corcione and sliding it in the goal.

"Our forwards played well tonight and we were lucky to get two goals from the seven position, but we still have plenty of room for improvement moving forward," said Entlich.

In the second half, Columbus State (1-0) had some near misses for goals, beginning with a goal being called back due to an offside decision.

The attack continued as Cassandra Wade hit the post in the 63^rd minute while a nice Hugrun Elvarsdottir shot was saved by Downie one minute later.

Downie, who finished the night with five saves, had to block a few more shots in the final 20 minutes to keep the match at 2-0.

Parsons was only needed three times picking up her 18^th career shutout, the second most in program history.

Columbus State will now turn its attention to Lee, who lost 2-0 to second-ranked Rollins on Friday. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Walden Soccer Complex.

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