The Gustavus women’s soccer team scored four goals in the first seven minutes of play while cruising to a 5-0 home victory over St. Mary’s on Wednesday.
Leading the Gustie offensive attack was sophomore forward Britanee Pelikan who scored her first collegiate hat trick. Pelikan notched the squad’s first two goals of the game within the initial five minutes of the game. Less than a minute after scoring her second goal, Pelikan threaded a pass to Birabwa Mutebi who knocked in a shot from 10 yards out that gave Gustavus a 3-0 lead with 39:23 remaining in the first half. Moments later Jackie Lehman registered an unassisted goal. Pelikan completed the hat trick with a goal less than five minutes before halftime that gave the Gusties a 5-0 lead, which proved to be the eventual final score.
Gustavus dominated the game on the field and in the box score. The Gusties outshot the Cardinals 28-3 on the afternoon. Head Coach Mike Stehlik’s squad had numerous scoring opportunities throughout the game. Mutebi had a penalty kick early in the first half hit the top crossbar and carom away.
St. Mary’s went with Nicole Bohn in goal the first half and then brought in Emily Strom who played a scoreless 45 minutes. The loss dropped the Cardinals record to 1-10 on the season.
Gustavus, which had scored three goals in its previous four games combined, recorded its third shutout of the season and improved to 4-3-1 on the year. Lindsey LaVoie went the distance in net for the Gusties, while making just one save.
Gustavus returns to action on Saturday by hosting Carleton at 1:00 pm.