Jordan Salisbury (Federal Way, Wash.) sent a header into the back of the net halfway through the first overtime period to give the Seattle University women's soccer team a season-opening 2-1 victory over Sacramento State Friday evening at Hornet Field.

After Sacramento State committed a foul in the 95^th minute to give Seattle U a free kick, Mary Hill (Mercer Island, Wash.) sent a pass into the center of the box, where Salisbury was stationed. The senior defender was able to beat Hornet goalie Savannah Abercrombie for her third career goal.

"I always think the first game sets the tone," head coach Julie Woodward said after the match. "We showed a lot of character, experience, and composure. Everyone contributed."

Seattle U struck quickly, as Kat Prati (Moorpark, Calif.) sent a crossing pass towards the far post, where freshman Stephanie Verdoia (Salt Lake City, Utah) was set up. Verdoia, the only newcomer to appear in the Redhawk starting lineup for this match, converted on her first collegiate shot to give Seattle U a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute.

The Redhawks continued the offense pressure, as Abercrombie was called upon to turn away shots from Carlee Norquist (Boise, Idaho) and Taylor Bolibol (Woodinville, Wash.). Seattle U earned five corner kicks and six total shots in the first half, while holding Sacramento State to one shot and one corner kick in the first 45 minutes.

Abercrombie kept the Hornets in the match with several saves early in the second half, including one off a shot from Emma Levy (Sammamish, Wash.) just eight seconds after halftime. Norquist, Verdoia, and Ava Ames (Seattle, Wash.) also had scoring chances turned away by the Hornet keeper in the first 15 minutes of the second half.

Sacramento State (0-1) broke through in the 69^th minute when Victoria Ramirez collected a rebound in the center of the box and sent the Hornets' second shot of the entire match past Seattle U goalieMadison Goverde (Snohomish, Wash.). Despite a 9-1 shot advantage in the second half, the Redhawks could not convert on any of those chances, necessitating the overtime session.

Abercrombie was credited with seven saves in the contest, while Goverde earned the win despite not making any saves. Seven different Seattle U players were credited with multiple shots, led by Bolibol with three shots, while both Verdoia and Norquist were able to put both of their shots on goal.

Seattle University (1-0) will remain in the Sacramento area in preparation for its second match of the weekend, facing UC Davis Sunday, Aug. 21, beginning at 1 p.m. Live stats for Sunday's contest are available by going to the women's soccer schedule page on GoSeattleU.com.  

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