Box Score The Butler women's soccer team defeated Morehead State in stellar fashion, downing the Eagles 3-0 in the first showing of the 2019 season.
 
"This was a great full squad win in which we were able to utilize our entire group of healthy field players," said co-head coach Tari St. John. "I felt our opening to the game was outstanding and our ladies executed our game plan fantastically well. To be rewarded for our early dominance with three early goals was very pleasing and in general our game control and maturity seeing out the game was solid. As always at this stage of the season we still have a lot of work to do and many areas we want to improve, and that process begins now ahead of what is always a great local rivalry game with IUPUI on Sunday."
 
How it Happened:
 
The Bulldogs wasted no time in the first period of their season opener, netting three goals before the half was up.
 
Returning BIG EAST Freshman of the Year, Anja Savich, got the Bulldogs started in the 10^th minute, chipping in a goal from close range.  Celia Gaynor and Macy Miller assisted on the play.
 
Five minutes later, Gaynor teamed up with Katie Soderstrom to tab her own goal, putting the Bulldogs up by two with 75 minutes left to play.
 
Butler would take six more shots in the next 15 minutes before Savich took advantage of a one-on-one with the Eagle's keeper, after a long lead pass from Soderstrom and help from Amanda Kowalski.
 
Savich's second tally of the night would be the last score of the evening for either team. 
 
Morehead State locked down their defense in the second half, holding the Bulldogs to just five shots in the second 45 minutes compared to 13 in the first period.  However, Eagles defender Morgan Treser and midfielder Gabby Nastasi would receive yellow cards for their efforts.
 
Stats So Far:

• Savich, who was second on the team in goals last season, starts her sophomore campaign off strong with two goals.
• Gaynor was a major asset to the Bulldogs, grabbing an assist and a goal within a five-minute range.
• Soderstrom was a helping hand across the pitch, notching a solo assist for Gaynor's put away and joining Kowalski for Savich's second score.
• Stephanie Rodriguez claimed her first career shutout, making two saves on four shots from the Eagles.

Next Up:
The Bulldogs will open their home schedule on Sunday (August 25) against long-time foe, IUPUI. Game time is set for 7 PM at the Sellick Bowl.  The Bulldogs were 9-0-0 on home turf last season.