NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The Caldwell College women's soccer team kicked off the 2009 season at the Southern Connecticut State Tournament with a 7-0 defeat to Franklin Pierce University Thursday afternoon at Jess Dow Field. The Cougars, who were 8-11-1 a year ago, start the season 0-1 with the non-conference loss, while the Ravens, ranked 11^th in the NSCAA/adidas Division II Preseason Rankings, are 1-0.

Franklin Pierce struck early with two goals in the game's first 10 minutes. Amanda Panaro scored off a corner kick in the eighth minute, then Gabriela Demoner blasted a free kick past junior goalkeeper Lauren Hoenig (Howell, NJ/Howell) for a 2-0 advantage. Demoner netted her second goal of the game seven minutes after halftime. The Ravens turned it on late, scoring four times in a nine-minute span that included Demoner's third goal and a pair of tallies from Kelly Sisco for a 7-0 lead with 19 minutes remaining. Angelika Johansson registered a goal and an assist in the second half for Franklin Pierce.

Hoenig finished the game with 10 saves for Caldwell, while Jocelyn Leon recorded two saves in 75 minutes of work for the Ravens. Lauren Brewer played 15 minutes in goal to record the combined shutout.

The Cougars complete play at the SCSU Tournament with a game against the host Owls on Saturday, Aug. 29. Game time is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. at Jess Dow Field.