Sept. 1, 2005

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INDIANOLA, Pa.-- Freshman Jennifer Kritch scored the first two goals of her Pitt career as the Panthers registered a 2-1 women's soccer victory over No. 10 West Virginia Thursday at Founders Field. The victory improved Pitt to 2-0-0 overall and 1-0-0 in the Big East. West Virginia dropped to 1-2-0 overall and 0-1-0 in the Big East.

Pitt's victory over West Virginia was its first since 1997. Pitt's win also marked its second in 10 all-time contests against WVU. The win also marked the first time in program history that Pitt has defeated a top-10 opponent. West Virginia is also the highest ranked team Pitt has ever defeated.

West Virginia got on the board first when it was awarded a penalty kick in the game's first 20 minutes after a Panthers foul. Marisa Kaneda scored on the penalty kick to give West Virginia the early lead.

Pitt battled back four minutes later when Jennifer Kritch scored on a 20-yard shot in the game's 24th minute. The goal, Kritch's first career score, went unassisted.

"This is a huge win for our team and for the women's soccer program here at Pitt," Pitt Head Coach Sue-Moy Chin said. "I am extremely pleased with my team and I'm almost at a loss for words. Our effort was great, we dug deep and found the win. Jennifer had a fantastic individual effort. Our defense did a great job, being a solid wall in front of Jamie (Pelusi) who also had a great game."

Kritch's second score and game winning goal came in the game's 71^st minute. Kritch settled the ball near midfield then used some impressive ball handling skills to beat three WVU defenders and shot the ball past West Virginia goalkeeper Lana Bannerman. The ball hit the net in the upper right corner.

Goalkeeper Jamie Pelusi finished with 11 saves including punching a shot over the net in the 65^th minute of the game.

Pitt plays its second home game on Sunday, September 4th at Founders Field. The Panthers host Toledo at 1 p.m.

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