SALISBURY, Md. – The No. 1 ranked Salisbury University field hockey team opened up its season on Saturday afternoon at Sea Gull Stadium, coming away with a 2-1 victory against Capital Athletic Conference foe the University of Mary Washington. Salisbury took the field before a crowd of 200 spectators in what marked the first contest of the year at the stadium.

The Sea Gulls (1-0, 1-0 CAC) and Eagles (0-2, 0-1 CAC) battled for possession in the first half, but it was Salisbury who would have the upper hand. The maroon and gold had 11 penalty corners in the first half, compared to zero for the Eagles, but nobody would capitalize until the 28th minute of play when sophomore forward Erica Henderson ripped the ball past Mary Washington goalkeeper Chrissy Bowdren (five saves) to give Salisbury its first goal of the 2010 season, her first career goal as a Sea Gull, and a 1-0 edge going into the second half. The Sea Gulls held an 8-1 advantage in shots in the first 35 minutes of play.

Just 1:20 into the second half, Salisbury would strike again; this time it was junior forward Caitlin Walker who would score, unassisted, off of a penalty corner opportunity. Mary Washington midfielder Kaitlyn Ripley netted the Eagles' first and only goal in the 45th minute off of a feed from midfielder Morgan Jones to cut Salisbury's lead to one. With plenty of time still left on the clock, both teams kicked into high gear.

Salisbury's solid defense kept the Eagles grounded for the remainder of the game and preserved the victory for the maroon and gold. Junior keeper Anna Cooke was forced to make only one save in her 70 minutes in the cage. For the game, the Sea Gulls outshot the Eagles 14-5 and held a 16-3 advantage in penalty corner opportunities.

Fans will have ample opportunity to watch the Sea Gulls take the field at home this week, starting with a game against Christopher Newport University on Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. Salisbury then hosts the SU Invitational on Sept. 11-12, welcoming three teams to Sea Gull Stadium. One of those teams, William Paterson University, will face the Gulls on Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. Salisbury will play again, on Sept. 12, with game time and opponent still to be determined.