The 11th-ranked Case Western Reserve University women's soccer team used two first-half goals from senior forward Christina Hickson to take their University Athletic Association opener 3-1 over New York University on Saturday afternoon at DiSanto Field in Cleveland, Ohio.

The Spartans improved to 9-0-0 overall and 1-0-0 in conference play while the Violets fell to 6-3-0 on the season and 0-1-0 in the UAA.

Hickson scored her first goal of the afternoon in the 23rd minute, taking a pass from first-year midfielder Sydney Schenk down the near side of the field. She placed her shot in the far corner, beating the Violets' goalkeeper to put the Spartans ahead.

Schenk earned an assist on Hickson's second goal of the game in the 36th minute. The midfielder fired a shot that hit the far post. Hickson collected the rebound and tapped the ball into the back of the net to double the Spartan advantage. The goal was Hickson's ninth of the season and Schenk's team-leading sixth assist.

After NYU cut the lead to one with a goal in the 79th minute, senior midfielder Anika Washburn scored her team-leading 10th goal of the season in the 83rd minute to secure the win. Senior defender Elizabeth White shot a free kick toward the goal. Junior midfielder Helina VanBibber collected the rebound and tapped the ball to Washburn who placed the shot into the goal.

Washburn's 26 career goals are the second most by a Case Western Reserve player, while Hickson's 23 career goals are tied for fifth most. Former Spartan Sandra Oh holds the career record of 30 goals.

Sophomore goalkeeper Maggie Storti saved a career-high seven shots during the match, allowing the lone goal on a penalty kick. She improved to 9-0-0 on the season.

The Spartans will look to keep their winning ways going as the team embarks on a five-match road trip beginning on Tuesday, October 5 at Hiram College. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Case Western Reserve will return to DiSanto Field on Friday, October 29 when the team hosts the University of Chicago.