The Butler women's soccer team moved to 4-0 after a 3-1, BIG EAST-opening win over DePaul at the Sellick Bowl on Thursday, March 4. The Blue Demons shift to 1-1 overall, 0-1 in conference.

How it Happened:
DePaul came off the bus on the attack, holding control of the ball for the first five minutes of play, but saw all their lead passes thwarted by Butler defense.

In the sixth minute, freshman Alli Leonard found herself an open look at the top of the box and sent a high shot to the top left corner of the goal. DePaul's goalie Molli Eriksson got a touch on the ball, but couldn't stop the score.

Just seven minutes later, Anja Savich set up Leonard to take similar aim, this one with more heat, and it found the target with no chance of a swat from DePaul, putting Butler up 2-0.

Near the end of the half, Katie Soderstrom took a shot in the box that looped high and fell just short. In the Blue Demon's scramble to clear, Becky Dean went after the loose ball headfirst to knock the ball in for a 3-0 lead at the half.

DePaul, after taking just one shot in the first 45 minutes of play, came out with a new aggression, taking nine attempts at the goal, finding three on frame. In the 75^th minute, Gwen Walker launched a corner kick and got help from a strong wind that gave enough curve to find the far right corner of the goal, out of reach for Bulldog keeper Stephanie Rodriguez.

Butler dug in on defense for the last 15 minutes of play to let time expire on a 3-1 win.

Stats of Note:

• Alli Leonard scored her second and third goals of the season, including the ultimate game-winner.
• Butler held a 7-3 advantage in corner kicks.
• DePaul took a total of 10 shots, nine of which came in the second half.
• The Blue Demons posted no saves in the match, all three of Butler's on-target shots found their mark.
• Forwards Savich and Soderstrom each grabbed an assist in the win.

Next Up
Butler will have Sunday off and remain at home next week to welcome Marquette for another Thursday afternoon tilt. Kick-off against the Golden Eagles is set for 3 p.m. The following Sunday, the Bulldogs will host Xavier in their only home weekend contest of the season. Butler will celebrate Senior Day prior to the 1 p.m. game at the Sellick Bowl.