NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Sydney Jackson's first-half goal highlighted the Div. I debut for Hampton University women's soccer, which occurred Friday evening at Christopher Newport's Captains Field. Canisius won the match 16-1.
 
But the result mattered little in the grand scheme of things.
 
"My congratulations to the young ladies and Coach McNabb on our inaugural soccer match," University President Dr. William R. Harvey said. "Even though the final score was one-sided, I want them and our fans to know how proud I am of their effort."
 
"It was a tough match. We knew it was going to be difficult," head coach John McNabb, Ph.D. said. "Canisius clearly took advantage of our deficiencies, but I'm extremely proud of the heart our ladies showed and the way they competed to the end."
 
Jackson's tally came in the latter stages of the first half, after Canisius had built an 8-0 lead. Jackson shook her defender while approaching the box before scooting the ball and running past goalkeeper Kailee Defranks.
 
With nothing but open net in front of her, Jackson flicked the ball into the net in the 37th minute.
 
The match was scoreless through the first 9:36 before Canisius (1-0) found the back of the net. Brittany Krause put Canisius up 2-0 in the 18th minute, kicking off a string of five goals in just over seven minutes. When Samantha Gagliano scored in the 25th minute, it put Canisius up 7-0.
 
The Golden Griffins led 9-1 at the half.
 
Krause scored twice more in the second half to give her a hat trick – a feat matched by both Gagliano and Savannah Jonathan.
 
But McNabb saw encouraging signs in the second half, pointing to the fact that Canisius didn't score as often in the second 45-minute frame.
 
"They showed they are learning," he said of the Lady Pirates, "and I expect them to continue to improve throughout the season."
 
Canisius led 38-1 in shots on goal and 11-0 in corner kicks.
 
Kara Pitts made 22 saves in her debut in net.
 
The Lady Pirates will be on the road for the remainder of its inaugural season, starting with Sunday's 1 p.m. match at Howard. For more information on Hampton University soccer, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.