Box Score Case Western Reserve University senior forward Amy Lindberg converted a penalty kick in the 61st minute of play during the Spartans' season-opening game on Thursday evening at Oberlin College to lift CWRU to a 1-0 win, and give Head Coach Tiffany Crooks her program-record setting 77th career victory.
Crooks, who entered the year tied with Kim Shaw for career victories, improved to 77-69-21 during her 10 seasons with the team. Her career .524 winning percentage is the best among the program's five coaches.
After a scoreless first half, a penalty with just under 30 minutes left in the game gave the Spartans an opportunity for a penalty kick. Lindberg would step up, knocking a shot past the Oberlin keeper and into the back of the net, for what would prove to be the game-winning goal.
The Spartans defense, which did not allow a shot in the second half, would hold on for the shutout and the season-opening win.
The game was played tight throughout with Oberlin finishing the game with a slight edge in shots, 7-6. However, CWRU junior goalkeeper Sarah Newcomb turned away both of the Yeowomen's chances on goal, earning her first career shutout.
Lindberg finished the game with a team-best two shots, including the one on goal, while senior Pauline Van Dijck added a shot on goal as well.
The win marked the sixth-straight season that the Spartans have opened their campaign with a win.
The Spartans will be back in action on Sunday, when the team heads to Hiram College for a 1:30 p.m. matchup with the Terriers.
