WORCESTER, Mass. (August 31, 2002) - Franklin Pierce College, ranked No. 4 in the National Soccer Coach Association of America (NSCAA)/adidas Division II Preseason Coaches poll, opened its 2002 season with a 2-0 victory over Assumption College in Northeast-10 Conference women's soccer action at H.L. Rocheleau Field this afternoon.

Senior All-American Angela Verdoes (Katwijk Aan Zee, Holland) played a role in both Franklin Pierce goals with a goal and an assist.

Verdoes set up the Ravens first tally of the season, a marker
from senior Anumari Ylesmaki (Vantaa, Finland), with just 4:33 remaining in the first half. Verdoes then gave Franklin Pierce a late insurance goal in the 87th minute, assisted by junior Andrea Caesar (Visby, Sweden).

The Ravens enjoyed a 14-2 shots advantage for the match and junior goalkeeper Aase Kibsgaard (Korgen, Norway) registered two saves for her first career shutout in her Franklin Pierce debut. Kibsgaard was called on early on an Assumption penalty kick, but the shot was directly at Kibsgaard, preserving a scoreless match.

Assumption goalkeeper Christine Keenan registered 13 saves.

Franklin Pierce (1-0, 1-0 NE-10) returns to action on Monday when it makes its home debut against UMass Lowell at 3 p.m. Assumption (0-1, 0-1 NE-10) travels to Stonehill College on Wednesday for a match at 4 p.m.

#4 Franklin Pierce 2, Assumption 0

Scoring Summary: FPC: Anumari Ylesmaki (Angela Verdoes), 41:27; FPC: Verdoes (Andrea Caesar), 86:20.
Goalkeepers: FPC: Aase Kibsgaard (90:00), two saves; AC: Christine Keenan (90:00), 13 saves.
Shots: FPC: 14, AC: 2 Mass