YORK, Pa. – The Franklin & Marshall women's soccer team got its 2023 season off to a fast and furious start as the Diplomats scored twice during the opening 10:50 of the year. However, host York (Pa.) also tallied during the sixth minute as the teams combined for three goals in just under 11 minutes. Despite that quick start, that would be the last of the goals for either side as F&M took a 2-1 win in its season opener.

The Diplomats finished the game with a 15-5 advantage in shots as 11 saves from the Spartans kept their side in the game. Mikaela Timmermans scored on the first shot of the season, just 4:33 into the contest before York (Pa.) tied the game just one minute later on a corner kick.

Lillian Williams had her first shot saved, but would not be denied much longer as she scored the eventual game-winning goal just 90 seconds following that first run to goal. Williams' goal was the second of her career after she also tallied versus Marywood during the month of September in her rookie campaign. Timmermans' early strike was her first goal since her rookie season in 2021 against Dickinson.

Franklin & Marshall continued to put pressure in front of the Spartans' goal throughout the entire first half as the visitors ran up an 11-2 advantage in shots. Nevertheless, nine first half saves kept the Diplomats from further extending their lead. York did hold a 6-3 edge in corner kicks, scoring on that opening chance, but that would be the only goal that first-year Lucille Fleming allowed as she got the start in her collegiate debut for Franklin & Marshall.

Timmermans and Williams were two of the four Diplomats who took multiple shots on the evening, joining Kate Boujoukos and Alison Francis. Eight different F&M players took a shot on the night, with 13 of the 15 attempts ending on target.

Women's soccer will now have the rest of the weekend off before hosting its home opener on Tuesday, September 5 against Elizabethtown. That game is also scheduled for a 7 p.m. start under the lights of Tylus Field.