Box Score AMERICUS, Ga. – The Eckerd College women's soccer team took its season opener in a huge win over Georgia Southwestern State University, defeating the Canes, 8-0, on Friday.
Shannon Estes-Larkin put the Tritons on the board a mere five minutes into the first half, and the offense never let up.
In their college debut,
Katie Shafer and
Hannah Peterson each tacked on a goal in the first half.
In the 59
th minute,
Morgan McMillen added in yet another goal for the Tritons, earning the first goal of her collegiate career.
Arie Anahory added two goals on the day, while tacking on three assists. Her offensive contributions helped her to climb in the Eckerd College record books. She now ranks third in career assists (17) and fifth in goals scored (18).
The Hurricanes did all they could to hold off the Tritons attack, but were unable to muster any offensive momentum of their own.
Even with the game beyond reach,
Michelle Spesshardt was determined to keep the intensity up. Within a four minute span, Spesshardt tacked on two more goals to bring the total up to eight.
With both Spesshardt and Anahory flirting with the coveted hat trick, the Eckerd offense had no problems manufacturing offensive opportunities throughout the night.
Coach
Danielle Fotopoulos had this to say about the big win, "we had many different people contributing in both defense and offense. It was truly a team win."
All-conference goalkeeper,
Morgan Crescent, didn't face a shot in net as the EC defense clamped down on their opponent. This shutout brings Crescent within three matches of tying the career shutout record.
Abbey Sanchez added two assists on the day in her college debut for the Tritons.
"I am very proud of the way our team played on the road and we look forward to competing on our home turf," said Fotopoulos.
Eckerd will continue its season in their home opener on Tuesday, Sept. 9, as they take on Florida Memorial University at the Turley Athletic Complex with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
