FREDERICK, Md.--For the second year in a row, the Hood College women's soccer team (1-0) blanked the Goucher College Gophers (0-1) in its season opener, earning a 3-0 shutout Wednesday afternoon at Thomas Athletic Field.

Sophomore Stevey Markovich had a hand in two Blazer goals, netting Hood's first score of the afternoon in the 11th minute and later assisting senior Cara Jordan on her 29th career goal in the 47th minute. Sandwiched between those tallies was junior Jessica Devine who converted a cross from sophomore Amanda Hutzell in the 29th minute.

Hood outshot the Gophers, 23-9, and held a 6-5 edge on corner kicks. Senior Rachelle Buhrman and junior Kirsten Cacciola combined for the shutout, the 14th time in the past two-plus seasons the tandem has kept the opposition out of the net. Buhrman earned the start and made four saves while Cacciola patrolled the net for the final 45 minutes. Buhrman thwarted one of Goucher's better scoring chances in the 39th minute when she punched away a header by Sisley Pumilia. The ball caromed off the goalpost and back to Buhrman, who corralled the ball for the clutch save.

Hood hosts its second straight opponent, the La Roche College Redhawks, Saturday at 1 p.m. at Thomas Athletic Field.