SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts - The American International College women's soccer team was in control for most of the 90 minutes of its season opener against D'Youville University, and a second-half strike by junior Lily Shields was all the offense the Yellow Jackets needed to secure a 1-0 win on Friday, September 6.

AIC is now 1-0-0 on the campaign.

The Yellow Jackets kept the Saints hemmed in on their half of the field for most of the first, but despite a 5-1 edge in shots on goal, ended the frame scoreless. AIC's best chance came in the 19th minute, as Leya Vohra received a pass on the left side just above the six-yard box and fired low, forcing Haley Pompeo to make a sliding save. 

In the second half, the Yellow Jackets continued to press, and finally broke through. From the left wing, Katelyn Oliveira fired the ball to the right corner of the 18-yard box for Gabrielle Williams, who in turn fed it to the middle for Kaitlin Mcdonald. She found a seam in the defense with Lily Shields waiting to receive the pass, and Shields made no mistake, booting home her first collegiate goal at 66:49.

From there, the defense continued to lock in. D'Youville managed a strong chance in the 81st minute, as Laoise O'Haodha put a header on target from close range, but Tia Kelk was able to reach up and snare it to preserve the lead and shutout.

Kelk earned the win with the one save in 45 minutes of play, all in the second half; Sara Avery made one stop in her 45 minutes of the first half.

AIC returns to action on Sunday, September 8 at noon against Daemen University.