Shelby Lum / Photo editor
Women’s soccer coach Lori Walker directs her players during a game against Eastern Michigan on Aug. 25, at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. OSU won, 2-1.
In a night that saw a career milestone for Ohio State coach Lori Walker, it was two players just starting their careers that took the spotlight.
Second-half goals from freshmen forwards Nichelle Prince and Lindsay Agnew helped No. 23 OSU defeat Morehead State, 3-2 in its regular season opener Friday night at the Bert L. and Iris S. WolsteinField at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.
“We are in our 20th year as a program and I’ve been here for (17) of them, and it’s a pretty special feeling to know the milestone,” Walker said about earning her 200th victory as coach.
Although the Buckeyes held an 18-5 advantage in shots for the game, it was not until the 85th minute that they took their first lead of the night. Agnew put OSU ahead for good off a ball from sophomore forward Michela Paradiso.
“I went sprinting across, slashing, and (Paradiso) just found the perfect ball, and then I just tried to find the inside of the net,” Agnew said about her late goal.
Morehead State junior forward Macy Cobb tried her best to spoil Walker’s historic night, as her two goals in the 14th and58th minutes put the Eagles in the lead on both occasions.
Those leads did not last long, though, as OSU was quick to answer each of those goals. Senior midfielder KristenNiederhaus got the Buckeyes on the board in the 27th minute, and Prince’s goal in the 67th minute evened the score at two.
“To have a couple of freshman that have the explosive power and explosive speed that Agnew and Prince have, it’s pretty special,” Walker said.
Prince also added an assist on Agnew’s game-winning goal late, and said she felt good about the win in her first match as a Buckeye.
“It felt really good. I committed (to OSU) when I was in grade 10… and I’ve been anticipating this moment forever,” Prince said.
She also spoke about her coach’s 200th win.
“I’m so glad to be a part of that win, and I know there (are) going to be many more to come.”
