Wenham, Mass. - Junior Allison Kennelly's (Irvington, N.Y.) third career goal in the fifth minute proved to be the difference as the Clark University women's soccer team opened up its 2009 season with a 1-0 win over host Gordon College on Tuesday afternoon at Gordon Quad.

The win marks the second straight season in which the Cougars defeated the Fighting Scots to begin the season.

In addition to Kennelly's unassisted goal at the 4:47 mark, Clark got a stellar performance in net from senior tri-captain Joanna Clark (Windham, Maine), who turned away seven shots to register her 13th career shutout.

Gordon (0-1) actually held an advantage in shots (12-6) while the Cougars had the edge in corner kicks (4-1).

Fighting Scots netminder Abby Ytzen turned away three shots for the hosts, who return to action on Saturday when they visit Southern Maine. Clark, meanwhile, travels across town to face Worcester State beginning at noon on Saturday as well.