Kopec Shines in Season-Opening Win

Friday, August 27

Philadelphia, Pa

7:00 P.M.

Temple University

(1-0)

Merrimack

(0-1)

MER

Temple

Photo by: Zamani Feelings

Kopec Shines in Season-Opening Win

8.27.21 | Field Hockey

Box Score Michelle Vittese Postgame Interview Photo Gallery

PHILADELPHIA - Temple field hockey freshman Julianne Kopec had a spectacular collegiate debut, scoring both goals in the team's 2-0 win over Merrimack Friday night to open the 2021 season. This is the third-straight season that the Owls have shut out their opponent in the season opener.

Recapping the Game
> Temple came out firing, attempting 11 shots in the first half.
> Kopec's first goal of the night came at the 20-minute mark, with the West Long Branch, N.J. native scoring off a deflected shot.
> Kopec put the game away less than 10 minutes later, scoring on a penalty corner with an assist from fellow freshman Tess Muller.
> The Owl defense stood tall, allowing just two shots in the second half with neither on target.
> Temple had two good looks in the second half to build the lead, but a shot from Kaitlyn Cummins and a penalty stroke from Devin Kinzel both hit the post.

Statistically Speaking
> Temple outshot the Warriors 17-2, putting 10 on target.
> Kopec and Muller both led the team in shots with four, while Myrthe Schuilenburg and McKenna Burkhardt each fired two.
> The Owls successfully defended two penalty corners, attempting eight.

Quotable
> "It feels really good to get this win. Merrimack gave us a fight, but we were able to put them under pressure and it created a lot of opportunities for us. I'm proud of our ladies for stepping up and banding together as a unit despite all the adversity we've gone through. Julianne had a fantastic performance, but the entire team really put out a tremendous effort and everyone is super proud of our performance." – Michelle Vittese

Next Up
> The Cherry and White will stay in the City of Brotherly Love to close the weekend, facing Drexel at Buckley Field on Aug. 29.