AKRON, Ohio – Two early goals helped the Niagara University women’s soccer team (2-0-0) capture the 2004 Caroline Pardee Invitational Sunday, defeating the University of Akron (1-1-0), 3-0, at Lee Jackson Field on the campus of Akron.

Just four minutes into the contest, junior forward Brittany Younglove (Red Creek, N.Y.) broke free behind the Zips defense off a flighted ball from teammate Stephanie Conley (Toronto). Younglove was able to beat Akron goalkeeper Megan McCarthy one-on-one to give the Purple Eagles an early 1-0 lead.

Younglove’s continued pressure on the Akron net paid dividends seven minutes later, as she scored her second goal of the game. In the 11th minute, Younglove's shot into the upper-right corner beat McCarthy, giving Niagara a two-goal lead.

According to Niagara head coach Peter Veltri, the two early goals were key in the victory over the Zips.

"We took advantage of two early opportunities and we were able to play smart, simple soccer the rest of the game," Veltri said. "It helped lead us to the win."

In the 88th minutes, freshman forward Brittany Bisnott (Brampton, Ont.) scored on a counterattack to help seal the win for the Purple Eagles. For Bisnott, who was named to the Pardee All-Tournament Team following the game, it was her third goal in two games.

In the contest, Niagara outshot Akron, 14-9, giving up just four shots on net.

Making four saves, junior goalkeeper Katy Owings (Annapolis, Md.) picked up the seventh shutout of her career. McCarthy made six saves for the Zips in the loss.

Joining Bisnott on the All-Tournament Team was Owings, junior defender Amber Niece (Port Colbourne, Ont.) and senior midfielder Jenni Greiner (Syracuse, N.Y.).

Looking further down the road, Veltri sees this weekend’s victories as key in the maturation of the younger players on his team.

"Winning our first two games was a great way to start the season," Veltri said. "The wins should help the confidence of our team, especially in the younger players."

In the tournament’s consolation game, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis defeated St. Francis (Pa.), 2-1, in double overtime.

In their next contest, the Purple Eagles host the Niagara University Invitational, a four-team tournament played Friday and Sunday at Niagara Field. Niagara faces Temple and St. Bonaventure in next weekend’s tournament.