NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - The Westminster College women's soccer team opened the 2009 season Wednesday with a 1-0 loss at home against Allegheny in non-conference action.

Becca Crissman scored on a header in the 84th minute for the game-winner. Crissman beat Westminster freshman goalkeeper Jenn Cantella (Freedom, Pa./Freedom) who made five saves in her first collegiate game.

The Gators (1-0) held a 16-7 shot advantage over the Titans (0-1) including 10-1 in the first half.

Westminster returns to action Friday when it hosts Mount Union for a 5:30 p.m. start.

About Westminster College...
Founded in 1852 and related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Westminster College is a top tier liberal arts college and a national leader in graduation rate performance, according to U.S. News Guide to America's Best Colleges. Westminster ranked 15th among liberal arts colleges, according to the Washington Monthly College Guide, and is one of the most affordable national liberal arts colleges in Pennsylvania. Westminster is also honored as one of "The Best 371 Colleges" and "Best in the Northeast" by The Princeton Review, and is named to the President's Honor Roll for excellence in service learning.

Nearly 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students benefit from individualized attention from dedicated faculty while choosing from 41 majors and nearly 100 organizations on the New Wilmington, Pa., campus.