McPHERSON, Kan. — The Hesston College women's soccer team scored five first-half goals on its way to a 6-0 road victory over Central Christian College Wednesday evening. The win moved the Larks to 4-1-3 on the season.
Hesston wasted little time taking control of the match. Rena Itoga opened the scoring just 3:18 into the contest off an assist from Jamie Seehusen. Less than a minute later, Itoga struck again, this time off an assist from Zoe Tevaga, to give the Larks a 2-0 advantage.
The Larks added a third goal in the 13th minute when Itoga turned from scorer to facilitator, setting up Seehusen for her second goal of the season. Emilie Romero extended the lead to 4-0 in the 29th minute with her second goal of the year.
Hesston continued to create chances throughout the remainder of the half. Kristyn Oliver hit the crossbar in the 35th minute and later put two shots on goal, while Brooklyn Paskett and Jalynn Tyree also forced saves. The pressure eventually resulted in another goal with 34 seconds remaining in the half as Matilda Bautista scored off an assist from Paskett to send the Larks into halftime leading 5-0.
The Larks added their sixth goal in the 59th minute. Yesenia Sanchez put a shot on goal before Paskett scored moments later off Sanchez's assist, giving Paskett a goal and an assist in the match.
Itoga led the Hesston attack with two goals and an assist, scoring on both of her first two shots of the match. Seehusen finished with a goal and an assist, while Paskett also recorded a goal and an assist. Bautista and Romero accounted for the other two goals, while Sanchez and Tevaga each added an assist.
Hesston controlled the offensive numbers, outshooting Central Christian 26-7 and putting 17 shots on goal compared to just one for the Tigers. The Larks also held a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks.
Ashleigh Williams and Keira Rankin split time in goal, with Williams making one save in the opening half and Rankin playing the final 45 minutes. The duo combined for Hesston's fourth shutout in its last five matches.
The Larks will return home Saturday, Sept. 19 when they host Mission University at 3 p.m.