Tigers Complete Weekend Sweep, Top Villanova 2-0

Sunday, August 27

Villanova, Pa.

1:00 PM

Princeton University

2-0

Villanova

1-2

Team	1	2	Final F
Princeton	0	2	2
Villanova	0	0	0

Photo by: Beverly Schaefer

August 27, 2017 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Abby Givens had three goals as a freshman last season, and two games into her sophomore campaign, she's already met that mark.

Less than two full days after her two goals helped open Princeton's win over Monmouth Friday night, Givens had another goal in the Princeton women's soccer team's 2-0 win at Villanova Sunday, giving the Tigers an opening-weekend sweep before the team heads to North Carolina for a challenging pair over Labor Day weekend.

Princeton controlled much of the possession Sunday, leading to a 20-5 advantage in shots, 7-1 in shots on goal and 6-2 on corner kicks, but it was Givens' 45th-minute goal that ended up being the difference. The go-ahead play began when senior Natalie Larkin dispossessed her Villanova assignment in the backfield while hemmed along the sideline. She then fired into the midfield circle for Tomi Kennedy who found classmate Givens headed for the box. With Villanova keeper Emily Harris out to cut down the angle, Givens put it past her and into the open net.

The Tigers pushed it to 2-0 in the 82nd minute when junior Mimi Asom headed in a corner kick from Carolyne Davidson, helping seal the program's third consecutive 2-0 start with Asom's 22nd career goal, best among the current Tigers. Princeton improved to 18-7-1 all-time against Villanova, winning all four games since the series resumed annually in 2014.

Sophomore Natalie Grossi picked up her second straight and sixth overall shutout in goal, marking the first time since 2013 that Princeton has started the season with back-to-back shutouts. Rookie Olivia Kane made her first career start and became the first member of the Class of 2021 to join the starting 11.

Princeton will head back on the road for a pair against unbeaten ACC opponents, going to North Carolina State (3-0) Friday and Wake Forest (4-0) Sunday.