Box Score

LANCASTER, Pa. -- Franklin & Marshall started its 2019 campaign on the right foot, cruising to a 5-0 victory over Marywood in the season opener. All five goals were scored by players netting their first career goals, as the Diplomats went to 1-0 on the season.

First-year midfielders Meg O'Callahan, Delaney Bessel, Anna Coleman, and Catie Kaseta all opened their F&M scoring accounts in their first collegiate contest. Sophomore Ryan O'Rourke added her first career goal late, as the Diplomats won a season-opener for the first time since the 2013 season.

F&M dominated the run of play in the first half, outshooting Marywood by a 23-5 margin. They kept the Pacers keeper busy, peppering Bella DiToma with 11 shots on net in the first 45 minutes of play.

The Diplomats had chances early and often in the first stanza, led by first-year midfield trio of Emily Cleary, Meg O'Callahan, and Delaney Bessel. Cleary nearly put F&M on the board early in the third minute with a near-post try that was stopped point-blank, and followed with another close call in the 19th minute that was turned aside.

O'Callahan netted the first goal in the 21st minute, compliments of a cross from the far sideline by Nicolette Runko. O'Callahan finished off her pass with a thundering header that placed the Diplomats up 1-0.

F&M doubled their lead two minutes later, as Bessel punched in an inch-perfect cross from the right flank by Izzy Hunter. The Diplomats kept their foot on the pedal, with another 16 shots through the end of the half, but none found twine.

The second half had a decidedly slower pace, but similar results.

Midfielder Coleman scored her first collegiate goal in the 68th minute, compliments of a Bessel cross into the box from the left. Six minutes later, Kaseta looped in a 30 yard rainbow over DiToma for her first tally in a Diplomat uniform.

O'Rourke polished off the scoring in the 88th minute, tracking down an Anna Goorevich through ball down the heart of the field, and sliding it past DiToma.

Diplomat keeper Tara Hessenthaler made seven saves to complete the shutout, the first of her career.

F&M finished the game outshooting the Pacers 32-9.

The Diplomats continue their out-of-conference schedule next week, traveling to play York on Wednesday evening with a 7:00 p.m. kickoff.