The University of Redlands women's soccer team kicked off the 2014 season with a bang by burying the Bearcats of Willamette University (OR) in a 6-1 opening win in Thousand Oaks. The Bulldogs jumped out to a solid 2-0 lead within the first seven minutes and never looked back en route to the in-region victory that took place at Cal Lutheran University.
The Maroon and Gray uncorked its first goal of the day when junior midfielder/forward Savannah Laursen (Boise, ID) found senior forward Tanya Haggen (Bellingham, WA) in the sixth minute of action. Just 44 seconds later, sophomore midfielder McKenzie Oliger (Seattle, WA) connected on her first goal of the season for the Bulldogs' early advantage.
With junior goalkeeper Lexi Felix (Kailua, HI) and the Bulldog defense taking care of business, Redlands' offense continued to fire on all cylinders, as junior midfielder Cassie Lively (Redmond, WA) put one in the back of the net at the 13:50-mark.
During the second half, the Maroon and Gray continued to make the most of its opportunities, recording another hat trick in the final 45 minutes.
Senior forward/midfielder Amy Pumputis (Redmond, WA) initiated the second-frame scoring in the 54th minute after accepting a pass from Haggen.
Sophomore midfielders Kate Frame (Fox Island, WA) and Erin Lau (Reno, NV) put the icing on the cake of the successful showing for the Bulldogs, as each registered a goal before the final whistle.
Although Willamette scored once in the final 16 minutes, the Bulldogs' victory was well in hand.
While using nearly the entire roster, which includes seven freshmen, the team scored enough goals to tie for seventh in program history for a single game.
Overall, Redlands tallied 14 shots on the day, including 10 on goal, but converted six of them in the impressive first game of the season.
The Bearcats (0-1) recorded 12 shots but only five went on frame, with Felix and freshman goalkeeper Hannah Menk (Pleasanton, CA) combining for four saves.
The Bulldogs (1-0) return home to Farquhar Field for their next contest on Sunday at 11 a.m. when they take on the University of Chicago (IL) in another non-conference bout.