The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Soccer team kicked off its season at home Wednesday afternoon against the Golden Eagles of Spalding University and did it in style. The team came away with a 9-1 victory, opening the scoring a scant 22 seconds into the match and maintaining a two to one advantage in possession throughout.

Five different players found the nets. Striker duo Arrika Garcia and Erin Pugh each had 2 goals, with midfielders Jessica Black and Logan Jones each scoring two as well. Midfielder Britt Simmerman rounded out the scoring with a single goal. Assists were dished out by Arrika Garcia, Britt Simmerman and Ashley Logan.

The team started 3 freshmen and played every player, pouring 32 shots at the Golden Eagles, 22 of which were on goal. The almost completely revamped back 4 played very well with Maureen Brown moved to sweeper, Alex Amos moved to right back, and freshmen Cayla Yockey and Abby Schmitt filling the stopper and right back roles.

Spalding's lone tally came on a powerful drive from Kelsey Traughber some 25 yards out, just deflecting down off the crossbar. Goalkeeper April Baranowski got a hand to the ball and nearly pinned it to the crossbar with a soaring dive, but could not quite make the save. Spalding played with heart and skill, but, having to play with just eleven players (no substitutes), could not contain SMWC.

The SMWC Soccer Team next travels to Iowa Wesleyan on Saturday, a match that should be a good test.