DUBUQUE, Iowa – Fresh off a trip to the NCAA Division III Tournament to end last season, Grinnell College's women's soccer team picked up where it left off to start its 2023 campaign.
 
Keiko Smith '25 cashed in on a pair of goals to propel the Pioneers past the University of Dubuque 2-0 in the season opener for both teams Friday.
 
The victory snapped Grinnell's seven-match winless streak against the Spartans, dating back to 2009.
 
Smith's first goal came just nine minutes into the game when she scored in the lower left part of the net on an assist by Tali Berk '24. That score held up through halftime before the Pioneers got some insurance in the 49^th minute on Smith's goal to the lower right side of the net. Amelia Dueñas '26 had the assist.
 
Smith now has six goals in her career.
 
Peyton Dixon '27 recorded the shutout at keeper in her first collegiate match, recording three saves in the process.
 
Grinnell won the shots battle 10-9, including a 7-3 edge in shots on goal. Berk had three of those shots, while Smith and Dueñas '26 added two apiece.
 
Grinnell plays Coe College in Cedar Rapids at 1 p.m.  Saturday.