MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (August 24, 2024) - The (RV) St. Thomas University (STU) Women's Soccer team hosted Barry University on Saturday evening for their season opener at AutoNation Field. The Bobcats defeated the Buccaneers for the first time in program history thanks to Gabi Cimino scoring the winning goal. 

St. Thomas dominated in the first half, notching seven shots to Barry's four. Cimino proved that she was starting off the season on the right foot, picking up her first shot just three minutes into the game. Cimino went on to lead the team in shots against the Buccaneers, recording six shots throughout the match. Although the Bobcats dominated the field in the first half, they were unable to find the back of the net, leaving the game scoreless as they entered the intermission.

The Bobcats got to work quickly in the second half. Although the Buccaneers managed to pick up two corner kicks in the first five minutes, the STU defense was standing strong. Cimino notched yet another shot just three minutes into the half, but it was in the 54th minute that she put the Bobcats on the board. In a shot assisted by Natalie Woodward, Cimino found a hole and picked up her first goal of the season. Although the Buccaneers had a few more opportunities in half two, St. Thomas defense held them off, with Isabella Penaranda notching her first shutout of the season. Penaranda picked up six saves in the game, starting the season off strong. 

Ultimately, the Bobcats defeated Barry 1-0, kicking off the season with a 1-0 record. Up next, the St. Thomas will head to Sarasota, Fla. for a Monday matchup against New College of Florida.