Box Score
Columbia, Mo. - The Cougar women's soccer team opened up the 2013 season with a 5-0 home victory over Central Methodist (Mo.) University on Wednesday night. Columbia moves to 1-0 to start the year with the win, while the Eagles drop to 0-1.

The Cougars wasted little time in getting on the board in the first half as junior MacKenzie Knepper found the back of the net after just over six minutes of play. Senior Stephanie Hale assisted on the goal, serving the ball to Knepper from the west corner of the field. Columbia would add another score towards the end of the opening period when newcomer Sandra Mendonca scored off an assist from Kelli Westhues for a 2-0 advantage at the half.

The Cougars continued to dominate on into the second frame and took a 3-0 lead after a breakaway goal by Hale at the 50:30 mark. Knepper added two more goals over the final nine minutes of regulation to pick up a hat trick in the opener. Mendonca, Lauren Beishir, and Tori Magaletta each contributed an assist on the two scores.

Columbia outshot the Eagles 16 (8 shots on goal) to 5 (3 shots on goal) for the game. Junior Erica Ramirez posted three saves to earn the shutout win in goal for the Cougars.

Columbia will return to action on Sunday, September 1^st when they host 11^th-ranked Kansas Wesleyan University. Game time is set for noon at R. Marvin Owens Soccer Stadium.