LAKEWOOD, Colo – The Bulldogs opened their 2025 campaign in style, securing a 2-0 win over Western Colorado on Thursday. The shutout victory was anchored by freshman goalkeeper Emma Young, who made six saves in her collegiate debut to keep the slate clean.

The win is the Dawgs' first in a season opener since 2021, setting the tone for what they hope will be a strong year.

SWOSU wasted no time getting on the board, striking twice within the first 20 minutes of play. Julie Andersen delivered the opener with a composed penalty kick, adding to her reputation after leading the GAC in penalty kick goals a season ago. Just minutes later, freshman Saoirse Hourigan scored her first career goal, finishing off a well-placed pass from fellow freshman Braelee Epp to double the lead.

While the second half didn't feature any goals, both sides created scoring chances, but neither could break through as goalkeepers on both ends stood tall to keep the scoreboard unchanged.

The teams finished level in total shots at 16 each, but the Dawgs held slight advantages in shots on goal (7-6) and corner kicks (5-4).

Offensively, Ruth Vasquez led SWOSU with three shots, while four other Dawgs registered two apiece. In a sign of balanced attacking play, each of SWOSU's six shots on target came from a different player.

With the win, the Dawgs start the season 1-0-0. They'll look to build momentum in their second matchup of the Colorado road trip, taking on Colorado Christian on Saturday, September 6th, with kickoff set for 10:00 a.m.