Kansas City, Mo. - The Cougar women's soccer team opened up the 2015 season with a 3-1 road victory over Avila 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 sophomore Jordan Poire found the back of the net after just under four minutes of play. Senior Kelli Westhues assisted on the goal. Columbia would add another score in the 28^th minute when sophomore Laurie Frew scored off an assist from Poire for a 2-0 advantage. The Cougars would carry the 2-0 lead over into the halftime break.

The Eagles would cut the Cougar lead in half with a goal by Kennedy Doustou 23 minutes into the second half. However, Frew would get that goal back after notching her second goal of the game in the 82^nd minute. Columbia was able to hold the Eagle offense in the last seven minutes as they pulled away with the victory.

Columbia outshot the Eagles 16 (11 shots on goal) to 8 (3 shots on goal) for the game. Junior Flavia Rosado posted two saves to earn the win in goal for the Cougars.

The Cougars will return to action on Friday, August 28^th when they host Doane College. Game time is set for 4:30 at R. Marvin Owens Field.