ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The No. 2 Washington University in St. Louis women's soccer team opened the season with an 8-1 win over Trine on Francis Olympic Field on Friday afternoon. The Bears have won every season-opener since 2011.
 
Following a lightning delay, Trine got on the board first as Darcy Sakowiak drilled a slow-roller to the high left corner to put the Thunder up 1-0.
 
The Bears answered in the 16^th minute as senior Meryl McKenna dribbled in and ripped the ball to the opposite corner, tying things up 1-1.
 
Junior Grace Ehlert put the Bears ahead in the 29^th minute, taking a goalie deflection and finishing it. It was Ehlert who gave the Bears a 3-1 lead in the 39^th minute, converting a penalty kick after Trine was whistled for a foul in the box.
 
The Bears continued the offensive prowess in the second half, starting with a goal in the first three minutes. Junior Ella Koleno scored her first of two goals on a pass from Sophie Viscovich.
 
First-year Olivia Clemons scored her first career-goal in the 55^th minute. Koleno added her second goal of the day in the 58^th minute and Clemons followed with another goal in the 67^th minute.
 
Sophomore Madi Foley put in a goal off a pass from Sam McKibben in the 73^rd minute, giving the Bears an 8-1 lead over Trine.
 
Statistically, the Bears racked up 30 shots with 19 on goal while Trine had just two with one on goal. WashU also had nine corner kicks to the Thunders' zero.
 
The Bears are back in action on Sunday at 11 a.m. against Centre. Prior to the game, WashU will celebrate senior day.