HOUSTON -- Rice scored two goals during a one minute 23 second period two thirds of the way through the first half to give the Owls a 2-0 NCAA women's soccer victory over Sam Houston State in the 2008 season opener for both teams Friday night at Rice Soccer Complex.

Annie Kadota fired in a shot just inside the box on a give-and-go pass from Bianca Walker for the first Owl goal at 30:38 in the first half. Kadota assisted on the second goal, finding Erin Scott open on the left wing and Scott put the ball in the back of the net at the 31:55 mark.

The rest of the match, Sam Houston State's defense handled everything the Conference USA power could throw at it. The Owls totaled 25 shots as Bearkat goalkeeper Jenny Pence made five saves.

Sam Houston was held to one shot in the first period, but produced more offense in the second half to end the match with seven shots.

Freshman Briti Martin took three of the shots with two of her attempts saved by the Rice goalkeeper. Martin had the only shot of the first half at the 16:43 minute.

Kate Wesneski, Debbie Campbell, Laera Gattoni and Alison Oakland had one shot apiece for the Bearkats.

Sam Houston State will play its first home match Friday, August 29, as the Bearkats play host to the Houston Cougars at 7 p.m. at Pritchett Field.