Aug. 27, 2010

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LOS ANGELES - Freshman Tawni Martino scored the first two goals of her collegiate career, including the game-winner in the 86th minute, to lift LMU to a 2-1 victory over Denver University in the home opener at Sullivan Field. The Lions (1-1-0) gain their first victory of the season against the Pioneers, who were playing their season opener.

Martino had given the Lions their first lead of the season when she connected in the first half but it was her goal at 85:38 that gave the Lions the win. Sophomore Cori McGovern sent in an overhead cross and Martino latched on to it, heading past DU goalkeeper Lara Campbell.

Both teams took to the offensive early, drawing saves out of each goalkeeper within the first nine minutes. LMU kept Campbell busy, forcing her into four saves before finally beating her on the half-hour mark. Martino collected a loose ball and opened her collegiate scoring campaign with a shot to the right corner.

For all of LMU's offensive forays, it was Denver who finished the half stronger, equalizing six minutes before the break. Kaitlin Bast crossed to Kristen Hamilton, whose shot deflected off redshirt goalkeeper Brittany Jagger as she tried to save.

Denver could have made it two in the last 90 seconds but Stephanie Woo had her shot blocked in the box and Jessy Battelli fired high. The Lions also had their chances, holding a 6-5 first-half shot advantage and could have had more goals if not for Campbell's five saves.

Denver attacked more in the second half, out-shooting the Lions 7-4 for the frame but the Lions made the most of their opportunities. Senior Julie Gallaudet nearly put the hosts in front, only to see her 57th-minute shot come denied by the crossbar.

Jagger was up to the task to turn away a pair of Denver shots four minutes apart. In the 73rd minute, she kept out an attempt by Cassidy Larson and then stopped Bast's shot in the 77th to keep the game tied and set up Martino's winner.

Denver had one last chance in the 89th minute but Alison Kenney's shot sailed wide.

Jagger finished with four saves to nullify a 12-10 shot advantage by the Pioneers. Campbell stopped five shots for Denver.

LMU next heads back out on the road, traveling to Cal State Bakersfield on Sunday for a 7 p.m. kickoff.