SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Kadence Krempges 23rd-minute goal lifted No. 14 Drury over Emporia State, 1-0, on opening night of the 2025 season at Harrison Stadium.
 
An early flurry of shots for the Panthers put pressure on the Hornets' senior goalkeeper, Mackenzi Goen. Drury put four shots on net in the first 12 minutes of play.
 
The next Panthers' shot came on a fast break when Keira Love found Kadence Krempges to sneak it past the keeper for Drury's first goal of the 2025 season.
 
Drury continued to force the Hornets' defense with seven more shots in the final 61 minutes.
 
Trailing 1-0, Emporia State's offensive attack grew strong in the final 35 minutes. The Hornets had an opportunity in the 82nd minute, but a save from junior goalkeeper Katy Fitzler secured the Panthers' 1-0 win. Fitzler recorded five saves in the final 35 minutes
 
HIGHLIGHTS

• Drury outshot the Hornets 11 to 10.
• Katy Fitzler recorded seven saves and her 15th career shutout.
• Kadence Krempges' goal in the 23rd minute was her first career goal as a Panther.
• Senior Holland Hawkins took six of Drury's 11 shots.
• The opening day win is the 20th program win for the Panthers in program history and the eighth in the past 11 seasons.
• Justin Olson coached teams are now 5-1 on opening day in his tenure in Springfield.

 
QUOTABLE
"We knew it would be a challenge," stated coach Olson following the win, "I am happy at how our girls responded. We played for each other tonight."
 
UP NEXT
Drury returns to the pitch on Sept. 12 against Washburn. The game is set to kick off at 5 p.m. at Harrison Stadium in Springfield.
 
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