NOTE: This artice has been updated from an earlier version which contained incorrect information based on the information that was recieved by the sports information office. Corrections have been made to accurately report names and corresponding statistics.
Vista, Calif. – The women's soccer team opened their 2017 campaign with a bang on Thursday with an 11-0 defeat of St. Katherine College. The team scored seven of their 11 goals in the first half and never looked back. The Golden Eagles, who returned just a handful of players from last year's roster, are looking to take large strides forward as their enter their second season after being re-introduced as a program last year.
Alexandra Larson started the scoring with her first of two goals scored in the match, in the 8th minute of play. Mariah Anaya who finished with two assists and one goal, assisted on Larson's goal. Larson also factored in on three other goals, finishing the match with three assists.
Marissa Gonzalez (assist by Savannah Aborqui) pushed the lead to 2-0, with one of her two goals, in the 13th minute, before the flood gates opened. The Golden Eagles scored the next three goals over a three-minute span, pushing the lead to 5-0. The team added two more goals prior to the halftime break.
Vanessa Avila notched a hat-trick in the victory. Her three goals were one more than Larson and Gonzalez who each finished with two goals in the match. Larson also added three assists to her tally.
Rounding out the scoring was Andrea Sida, Hannah Kanagawa, and Monica Santana who each scored one goal in the match.
Also pitching in with an assist each were Santana and Emily Pedroza..
As a team, the Golden Eagles ended the match with 35 total shots, including 18 shots on goal. Their 11 goals came off of nine assists, and both set record highs for the second year program (based on records and information available to the sports information office).
The team will now prepare for their home opener on September 2. The Golden Eagles will actually host back-to-back opponents, with Ottawa University (Ariz.) visiting on the 2nd, followed by the University of Great Falls who will be in town on September 3. Both matches are scheduled for an 8pm start.
