PARKLAND – Pacific Lutheran tallied its most goals in five years as the Lutes picked up their first win of the 2014 season on a 5-0 nonconference women's soccer victory over Evergreen Friday afternoon.
PLU's first win improved the Lutes' record to 1-1-1 this season, while Evergreen fell to 1-3. The Lutes return to action Sunday when they host University of St. Thomas (Minn.) at 11 a.m.
Lauren Larson put the Lutes on the board early, scoring from about 10 yards out on a deflected shot by Kaylie Rozell in the 10th minute of play. That score remained for 20 minutes before freshman Machaela Graddy lofted a shot over Geoduck keeper Kyla Kitts for her first collegiate goal following a pass from Jamie Hoffman.
PLU maintained the 2-0 lead going into the half, pressuring Evergreen's defense for a 10-2 shot advantage before the break. It was more of the same in the second period, as PLU out-shot Evergreen 11-3 in the second half and added three more goals.
Megan Anderson knocked in an unassisted shot from the right corner in the 55th minute of play for her first PLU goal, and Larson added her second score of the day in the 63rd minute. The junior took a pass from Blake Warner in front of the box and shot it past Kitts to make it 4-0 Lutes. Hoffman scored the final goal of the day in the 75th minute on a close-range shot following a pass from Kailey Lyman.
The Lutes' five goals marked the most PLU has scored in a match since a 7-2 victory against Linfield during the 2009 season. Takara Mitsui played the first 65 minutes in goal for the Lutes and made a pair of saves before Bryce Kennedy took over for her first playing time with the Lutes.