Lakeland, Fla. – For the second time in the Chip Dutchik era, Lynn University's women's soccer team upset a nationally-ranked opponent in its season opener.  The Fighting Knights downed No. 11 Armstrong Atlantic State 2-0 on Friday behind goals from Melissa Ortiz and Lina Forsman as well as a pair of assists by Jackie Hellett. 

This marks the third consecutive year and fifth out of the last six seasons LU has won its season opener.  In 2009, the Knights downed No. 9 Northwood 2-1 to open Dutchik's Lynn coaching career.

The Blue & White's young squad was not intimidated by the top-25 opponent, immediately pushing into the Pirates defensive third after the whistle blew.  A tenacious opening five minutes saw LU get two shots off inside the box, one of which was saved by a diving Meghan Mayville.

Armstrong Atlantic regained its focus during a 15-minute span where Knights' keeper Kelsey Butler was tested but it was Lynn who found the back of the net first.  Collecting a clearance from her defense, Jackie Hellett one-touched to midfielder Lauren Handley who instantly lofted a pass over the Pirates defense.  Ortiz blew past her defender while Mayville sprinted out of the net for the 50-50 ball.  Luckily Ortiz got there just before Mayville put on a sliding tackle, getting enough of her shot to slip it inside the right post to put LU on top 1-0.

The Pirates went on the offensive towards the end of the first half but could not maintain that momentum to start the second period.  Lynn came out flying around the field, getting four shots off from inside the box within the first three minutes of play.

That tenacity paid off in the 66th when Hellett once again set up a LU goal.  Stealing the ball away from a Pirates attacker, the freshman out of Ponte Vedra, Fla., sent a long pass through a crowded AASU defense looking for Forsman.  Her fellow freshman ran onto the ball, snuck past the last defender and easily hit home a shot to the left side-netting to put Lynn on top 2-0.

The Knights had several more chances to extend their lead with Stef Parrott, Ortiz and Forman each having opportunities around the net.  Unfortunately, Mayville made several stops to keep the match close.

Butler had to make six of her seven saves in the first half in recording her 12th career shutout, sixth-most in program history.  Lynn's defense limited the Pirates to one shot on net in the second half but was outshot 23-17overall.

The Blue & White return to action on Sunday, September 4, at 12 p.m. when they play 2010 NCAA Tournament team Belmont Abbey in Winter Park, Fla.  Fans can follow the action live by logging on towww.LynnFightingKnights.com