EUGENE, Ore. – It took just 90 minutes for the NCU women’s soccer team to surpass their 2011 scoring total, taking a 4-0 win over Simpson University in the season opener.
Things started off on a strong note in the 17th minute when freshman basketball transplant Melyssa Weber scored an impressive unassisted goal from deep on the baseline, slotting the ball past the keeper for the eventual game-winner.
The Beacons took the 1-0 lead into half-time but came out of the intermission with guns blazing, scoring again in the 58th minute when Katelyn Partridge took a long service pass from Amanda Sunthonlap for a breakaway against the keeper. Partridge picked up the assist on the next goal, in the 69th minute, sending Alisandra Alcocer on a breakaway of her own, for her first career score.
The final icing was put on the victory cake in the 87th minute as Brianne Lagumina sent a cross into the box and Mishayla Bertelsen finished from eight yards away.
Freshman Kristen Fulbright made a strong debut between the pipes for the Beacons, making four saves to record the shutout.
NCU finished the night with 18 shots, taking seven shots on goal. Simpson took seven shots, including four shots on goal from four different players.
The Beacons (1-0), who win their first season-opener since 2009, will be back in action looking to make it two in a row on Tuesday when they face Willamette University at 4:00 pm.