"We had some first-game nerves that showed early on through the first part of the first half," Pitt Head Coach Sue-Moy Chin said. "But we were able to reorganize and regroup at the half. We talked about how to make things better and so we did. Coming out after halftime we slowed the pace, played our game and did very well."

Just five minutes into the contest, Pitt sophomore Ashley Habbel controlled a ball 18 yards out and knocked a shot past the Youngstown State goalkeeper to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead. Habbel's seventh career goal proved to be the gamewinner for the Panthers.

Pitt outshot Youngstown State 12-4 and fired nine shots in the first half.

Goalkeeper Alison Finch recorded her fourth career shutout and finished with three saves on the evening. Youngstown State goalkeeper Caitlin Bodzioney finished with six saves and stopped several Pitt scoring opportunities.

Last year Pitt began its season with four consecutive victories over non-conference opponents. Pitt is coming off a 2006 season which saw it tie its school record for season victories (eight) and advance to postseason play for the second consecutive season. Chin returns six starters and 18 letterwinners from that squad.

Pitt returns to action on Sunday as it hosts Niagara at 1 p.m. at Founders Field.

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