EASTON, Mass – Sophomore Sean Smith (Hampstead, N.H.) scored 13:42 into the game to lift the Saint Anselm College men's soccer team to victory over Stonehill College, 1-0, in the first round of the Inaugural Catholic Cup, Friday afternoon at Skyhawk Field.

With the win, the Hawks start strong at 1-0 on the season, while the Skyhawks drop to 0-1 on their young season.

Senior Brian Ayers (North Potomac, Md.) took a corner kick that sent the ball flying into the box, when Smith, at the far post, headed the ball into the back of the net. Stonehill was able to rally and take several shots on goal in the second half, but the Skyhawks were never able to sneak the ball past Saint Anselm senior goalkeeper Mark Kotsopoulos (Shrewsbury, Mass.).

Kotsopoulos made five saves to earn the win, while Stonehill keeper Adam Colella made just two. Despite being outshot 17-6, the Hawks still ran away with the win.

The Hawks return to action Saturday, September 7 at 2:30 p.m. as they face off with Assumption College for the Championship Game of the Catholic Cup. Stay up-to-date with the latest news, including game previews and recaps, directly from the Saint Anselm College athletic department by liking us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/STAHawks) and following us on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/STAHawks).