MT. CARMEL, Ill. -- Wabash Valley pulled away in the second half to a 5-1 women's soccer victory over East Central, Missouri, in the season opener Saturday night on the WVC pitch.
It was the first opening-night win in the five-year history of the program.
After leading 1-0 at intermission, the Lady Warriors poured it on in the second half, scoring four more goals before the visiting Falcons tallied to account for the final score.
"We were a little slow to start. Playing under the lights brings out a little different atmosphere," said Lady Warrior coach Patrick Harris. "But we played through it.
"In the second half we were patient. Eventually some chances came about and when they do you have to capitalize on them."
The Lady Warriors' first goal of the season, in the 10th minute, came on a circuitous route to the back of the net. Freshman Lise Ravat, after taking a nifty lead pass from midfield just above the top of the penalty box, let one go off her right foot from 15 yards away. The ball banged off the left goal post, darted straight across to doink off the right post before finally rolling into the goal.
The Lady Warriors missed a couple of other scoring opportunities in the opening frame, one on a shot that hit off the right post.
By midway into the first half, WVC (1-0) was taking command of the game on offense, and through much of the second half was in complete control against East Central (1-2), which had lost to Copiah-Lincoln, 2-0, on Friday.
"I think we controlled the tempo most of the game. When you do, it takes teams like them out of it. If you don't have the ball, you can't score," Harris said.
Sophomore Lexi Blasberg, who last year set a school single season scoring record with eight goals, led the way with two in the net. Frankie Cain and Lara Schoening, in addition to Ravat, also scored for the winners.
WVC plays at Southwest Tennessee (0-2) on Monday at 3 p.m. CDT.
PITCH PERFECT... They were singing Ravat's praises again after the game. It was her birthday, and she was serenaded by teammates at midfield following the contest... The five goals were the most ever scored by the Lady Warriors on opening night.