Experience reigned supreme last night as the ODU women’s soccer team secured a triumphant 2-1 victory against VCU in their home opener. Seniors Yuliaa Khyrstiuk and Rhea Kijowski made significant contributions, while VCU managed a last-minute consolation goal.

Last season, the Rams concluded with a 5-9-4 overall record and 4-4-2 in A-10 conference play. In contrast, the Lady Monarchs exhibited significant strength, ending the year with a 13-3-5 overall record and 5-2-3 in Sun Belt play. This secured their second consecutive Sun Belt Conference title and a place in the NCAA tournament, where they experienced a 2-1 defeat against Georgetown.

The Lady Monarchs also earned individual accolades, with then-junior Emily Bredek recognized as the Sun Belt Goalkeeper of the Year, and defender Ashlynn Kulha securing a place on the Sun Belt all-conference team alongside Bredek.

With a youthful team comprising 16 freshmen and sophomores, the Lady Monarchs are anticipated to sustain their success, as a coaches’ poll projected them to claim the top position in the conference, with James Madison ranking second.

In the first half, the Lady Monarchs initially faced a slow start as ODU conceded three corners to VCU within the first ten minutes of play. However, the Monarch defense, spearheaded by the now senior Bredek, successfully repelled the VCU attack and retaliated with an offensive maneuver of their own.

This tipping point occurred in the 24th minute when Kijowski capitalized on a second opportunity, scoring from a ball left unattended by the VCU defense, granting ODU a 1-0 lead. At halftime, although VCU leads in corners with a significant 6-0 advantage, the Monarchs hold the crucial lead in the score, attaining a 1-0 lead.

At the beginning of the second half, sophomore Riley Mullin had an opportunity to take the Lady Monarch’s first corner kick of the game, but the attempt was saved as the ball was directed into the keeper’s chest. Following the corner, both teams competed at a high level throughout the second half, with the Monarchs seeking to expand their lead and the Rams aiming to equalize.

In the 79th minute of the match, the Lady Monarchs succeeded in widening their lead to two goals. Noteworthy contributions from senior Gry Boe Thyrsøe and sophomore Laura Klebek created an opportunity for Ukrainian forward Khyrstiuk to execute a powerful shot into the top right corner, thereby expanding their advantage.

Although the Rams scored in the 90th minute, preventing a clean sheet for Hind’s defense, the Lady Monarchs still managed to send the home crowd of 395 spectators home in high spirits with their season-opening victory.

Old Dominion’s upcoming schedule includes two important away matches against in-state opponents. The team will first face the Liberty Flames on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Lynchburg, VA, followed by a match against William & Mary next Tuesday at 7 p.m.