Sept. 7, 2007

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AMHERST, Mass. - Jim Rudy became the ninth coach in NCAA history to win 300 career games as UMass defeated Iona, 2-1, in the home opener at Rudd Field on Friday. A pair of freshmen tallied their first career goals in the historic victory. Kelsey Anderson scored the game-winning goal off a pass from Katie Ruggles in the second half, while Therese Smith opened the scoring for the Minutewomen.

"I'm glad this group was with me for the 300th," Rudy said. "This is a special group. They're going to be very, very good by the time they're finished. They're creative, they listen, they're respectful, and they train hard.

"I'm more concerned about our team," Rudy continued. "Winning our home opener, and getting another win. It's one game at a time for us. The 300 for me wasn't as important as it was for them and other people."

UMass came out strong, recording 11 shots in the first half. Katie Ruggles nearly put in her first goal of the season when she had a point blank opportunity, but misfired. Around 3:50 left in the first, Amy Ballew made a tremendous pass in front of the net, but it went for naught. The game went to halftime without a score.

The scoring and intensity picked up in the second. Sydney Stoll made a pretty pass across the goal to Therese Smith, who finished the rest at the 47:05 mark. It was the first collegiate goal for the Holyoke native.

UMass continued to put on the pressure, but just when it looked like the Minutwomen would pull away, Iona evened it up. Lauren Luckey, who replaced Kristin Walker in the cage, made a flurry of spectacular saves. Iona had one too many chances, though, as Liz Allen put in the unassisted tally at 58:18.

After over 22 minutes of scoreless play, UMass scored the backbreaker. Katie Ruggles made a nifty pass near the sideline and another freshman buried it. This time it was Anderson at the 81:20 mark.

UMass finished the game outshooting Iona 25-10. Corner kicks were 6-2 in favor of the Minutewomen. Walker made two saves before succumbing to Luckey, who picked up her first career victory with five stops.

The Minutewomen are back in action on Tuesday, September 11, when they travel to Albany to play the Great Danes. Kickoff is set for 4:00 p.m.