POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. – Last season, Ashley Ferry (Westfield, NJ) led the Vassar College women's soccer team in scoring en route to being named Liberty League Rookie of the Year.  In the first game of the 2018 campaign, she picked up right where she left off.  Ferry had a pair of first-half goals, as the Brewers (1-0-0) notched a season-opening 2-0 win over New Paltz (0-1-0) at Gordon Field on Friday.
 
Ferry's first strike came in the 12^th minute.  She took a pass from Gabi Tulk (Chicago, IL) and fired a shot that caromed off the left post and into the net.  In the 25^th minute, Brenna McMannon (Colchester, VT) got free through the New Paltz defense and found Ferry streaking down the left side.  She put it away into the right corner, giving Vassar a 2-0 advantage.
 
"In our first scrimmage, I hit the post and it went wide, so it was nice to get this one," Ferry said about the opening goal.  "Then on the second one, I was just able to connect with Brenna.  She slipped it through two defenders and I was able to finish."
 
Vassar continued to push the pace in the second half, but was unable to add another goal despite several solid chances.  The Brewers outshot New Paltz 22-2 for the game, including an 8-1 edge in shots on goal.  Fiona Walsh (Hackettstown, NJ) and Camelia Manring (Indianapolis, IN) each played a half in the shutout.  Walsh (1-0-0) made one save and earned the win.
 
"It's a great way to start the season," Ferry said.  "I think it just shows how hard we've been working.  We took everything that we've been learning and working on, and it really showed today."
 
Megan Tornatore (0-1-0) took the loss in goal for the Hawks.  She made four saves and allowed two goals in the first half.  Angela Ratka recorded a pair of second-half saves for New Paltz.
 
The Brewers return to action on Sunday, when they visit NYU (1-0-0) at 12 p.m. in their first road game of the season.  Vassar will play its next four and six of its next eight contests away from home.