Sept. 12, 2003

Box Score

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - The University of Denver women's soccer team defeated Charlotte 4-3, in its first game of the First Tennessee Classic in Knoxville, Tenn. Junior Diana Brunkhardt (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) tallied two goals on the day to put the Pioneers at 3-1 on the season. Freshman Lleane Grimditch (Boulder, Colo.) and senior Jenni Harris (Littleton, Colo.) each added a goal to Denver's win.

Both the Pioneers and 49ers made a strong showing in the first half and had ample opportunities to score. Charlotte made its first attempt to slice through Denver's defense when Courtney Crandell, who scored 21 goals last season, launched two shots just high of the goal. The Pioneers remained relentless and shortly answered Charlotte's attack. In the 26th minute, Grimditch recorded her second assist of the season as she stole the ball from a 49er defender at midfield. She quickly passed the ball to Brunkhardt, who drilled the ball down the left side, from at least 18 yards out.

The Pioneers held the 49ers scoreless going into the second half. The tables turned in the 55th minute of play when Denver scored an own goal, tying the game at 1-1. Denver quickly picked up the pace of the game and Grimditch scored her first goal of the season off a pass from sophomore Carlynn McCallum (Denver, Colo.).

"Lleane played a different position tonight," head coach Jeff Hooker said. "She adjusted in the second half and was really effective. She found the gaps and made really good decisions."

Grimditch struck again and recorded her third assist on the season and second of the game when she crossed the ball from the left side to Brunkhardt. Brunkhardt took a quick, hard shot past the goalie to put the Pioneers up 3-1, and tallied a personal-best, two goals in one game.

"Diana was a workhorse tonight," Hooker said. "She did a little bit of everything and created great scoring chances for the team and for herself."

Freshman Elise Mascitelli (Littleton, Colo.) posted a great game, recording her first assist of the season. She carried the ball past defenders down the right side of the field and made a beautiful pass to Harris. Harris sent a rocket into the left side of the net past the Charlotte goalkeeper for her fourth goal of the season.

The 49ers attempted to strike the Pioneers again as they scored two goals in the last ten minutes of the game. Crandell and Duncan each scored one to bring the game to a close.

"I'm happy with how we played today," Hooker said. "We had an own goal, but that stuff happens and we got one back. We made good adjustments in the second half. The ball was played quicker and decisions to play which balls was better."

The Pioneers will return to action this Sunday, September 14, in Knoxville, Tenn., for their second game of the First Tennessee Classic. Denver will take on Richmond at 3:30 MT.