Cobleskill, N.Y.: The SUNY Cobleskill women's soccer team started the 2018 season with a strong statement ending a 17-game losing streak on Friday afternoon by defeating the visiting Panthers of SUNY Old Westbury in non-league action by a 2-1 margin at the Soccer/Lax Complex in the season opener for both teams. With the victory the Fighting Tigers open the campaign at 1-0 while Old Westbury starts the season 0-1.

Cobleskill jumped out to the lead in the first half when sophomore forward Marissa Olivieri, Tonawanda, N.Y., Kenmore East High School, connected from 20 yards away with a high arching shot from the right wing in the 36^th minute of play to give the home team the lead at 1-0.

Old Westbury then tied the score in the 40^th minute of play when freshman forward Brianna Williams, Valley Stream, N.Y., Valley Stream North High School, scored on a thru ball to tie the contest at 1-1 heading into the half.

In the second half as the rain started to fall Fighting Tiger junior forward Nellie Ramsden, Marcellus, N.Y., Macellus High School, overpowered the Panther defense to win a loose ball in the box and beat the keeper for the eventual game winner in the 53^rd minute of play.

Defensively the Orange & Black stymied the Old Westbury offense throughout the second half with freshman goalkeeper Abigail Wetsel, Schoharie, N.Y., Schoharie High School, recording five saves and junior defender Michelle Giordano, Ossining, N.Y., Ossining High School, breaking up a half dozen Panther offensive efforts on the afternoon.

Cobleskill will next be in action on Sunday September 2^nd when they host the Nighthawks of Newbury College at the Soccer/Lax Complex with kick-off slated for 2:00 p.m.