Women's Soccer | 9/14/2010 5:59:59 PM

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ROCHESTER, NY -- The RIT women's soccer team (5-0-0, 1-0-0 Empire 8) improved to 5-0 on the season with a 1-0 win over St. John Fisher (1-3-1, 0-1-0 E8) in Empire 8 action at RIT Field this afternoon. This is the best start for the Tigers since 2003, when they opened the season 5-0.

Senior defender Shireen Irani (Calgary, Alberta/National Sports Academy) scored the eventual game-winner in the 43rd minute off an assist from freshman McKenzie Worden (Steamboat Springs, CO/Steamboat Springs) to give the Tigers their fifth win of the season and first conference win. Junior Ashley Valenti (Honeoye Falls, NY/Honeoye Falls-Lima) and a stout RIT defense posted their second straight shut out allowing just two shots on goal.

"Today's game was enjoyable to watch," said RIT Head Coach Liz Masterson. "We were able to get all 11 players active and involved, and put together a solid 90 minutes of soccer."

After a slow opening to the first half, the Tigers broke through in the 43rd minute when Worden fed Irani who was making a run down the right flank. Her initial shot was saved by Cardinals keeper Jessica Plukas, but the rebound came right to Irani who one-timed it into the net for her first goal of the season.

The Tigers defense took care of the rest, allowing just one shot in the second half. RIT has not allowed a goal in the last 198 minutes of play dating back to a 2-1 win over Buffalo State on Sept. 8.

The Tigers generated a great chance late in the first half on a transition play. Terra Towne (Chaumont, NY/Lyme) fed Kim Sisti (Horseheads, NY/Horseheads) who sprinted up the field and into the offensive zone. She fed a cross over to Ashlene Potter (Rotterdam, NY/Schalmont) who rifled a shot that rang off the cross bar.

RIT out shot the Cardinals 17-4 and took three corners to just one for St. John Fisher.

The Tigers return to action on Saturday, September 18 when they host St. Lawrence University. Kick-off at RIT Field is 3 p.m.