JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida Gulf Coast University women's soccer head coach Jim Blankenship recorded his 200th career win at FGCU Thursday with a 2-0 victory at the University of North Florida.
"Proud of the ladies and an outstanding result against a very good UNF side," Blankenship said. "Impressive team effort defensively to earn the clean sheet."
In his 200 wins at FGCU, Blankenship has notched nine ASUN regular season championships and seven ASUN Tournament championships. Blankenship is one of the winningest coaches in NCAA women's soccer history. His .731 career win percentage (440-149-42) ranks No. 8 among all currently active Division I head coaches.
Kendal Gargiula and Erika Zschuppe paved the way to victory Thursday, opening ASUN Conference play 1-0 for the third straight year.
Gargiula surprised the Ospreys (2-4-2, 0-1 ASUN) in the 17th minute with her third goal of the season. Zschuppe was credited with the assist on the early scoring opportunity.
Grace Paradis came inches away from giving the Eagles (4-3-1, 1-0 ASUN) a 2-0 advantage before the break as her strike ricocheted down off the crossbar toward the goal line before the UNF goalkeeper corralled the ball.
Ashley Labbe returned to the pitch for the first time after missing the last five matches due to injury. Labbe logged 56 minutes, providing a much-needed spark into the Eagles' offensive attack.
In the 64th minute, Zschuppe sent a bending strike off the left post to make it 2-0 Eagles. FGCU outpaced UNF in shots 16-12, firing five shots on goal.
Katelyn Kauffman and Zschuppe recorded four shots apiece to lead the Eagles offensively. Reese Mendenhall added an assist.
Freshman goalkeeper Olivia Molina recorded her fourth clean sheet of the season, adding three saves to her ASUN-leading tally of 51.
FGCU returns to Pickering Field Sunday to host Jacksonville University. Kickoff against the Dolphins is set for 1 p.m.
