TIFFIN, Ohio – The Tiffin University women's soccer team (1-0-0) exploded for four goals in the second half to earn a 5-1 victory in the season opener on Thursday afternoon at the Paradiso Athletic Complex against the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown.
Today's season-opening win was the first time since 2022 that the Dragons posted a win in the season opener. TU's five goals in today's game was the first time the Dragons recorded five in a game since a 5-1 win over Lake Erie on Oct. 5, 2022.
The Dragons wasted no time starting the scoring as Maddie Davis found Dani Garner for the game's first goal in the 10th minute. Eight minutes later, the Mountain Cats tied it with an absolute strike by Rylee Fry to make it 1-1. The game remained 1-1 going into the half.
Tiffin dominated the second half with their second half explosion and never seized momentum. TU regained the lead in the 51st minute when Callie Cacchione converted a penalty kick after Garner drew a foul in the box.
In the 62nd minute, Davis tallied a goal off an assist from Cacchione. 3:31 later, Sam McPhee and Tammie Shalit assisted on Taylor Iden's goal. The fifth and final goal came on a breakaway as Leonor Sousa found Mikayla Tolbert in the 78th minute who snuck it past UPJ's goalkeeper.
Gianna Parmentier posted the win in goal in her collegiate debut, recording two saves over 86:11 minutes. Kayla Hammonds played the final 3:49 in goal.
TU also had the advantage in total shots (16-7) and shots on goal (7-3).
The Dragons return to the Paradiso Athletic Complex on Saturday, Aug. 29 to host the Senators of Davis & Elkins at 3 p.m.
