Williamsburg, KY- The University of the Cumberlands women's soccer team opened their season in dominating fashion defeating Rio Grande 6-0 Saturday night at the UC Soccer Complex . Amy Anderson had an impressive debut scoring twice and notching an assist.

Cumberlands offense got to work early, scoring their first goal less than two minutes after kickoff. The goal came off a pass from Alba Lorca through two Red Storm defenders, to Anderson who put it away into the lower right corner. The Patriots continued to control the possession and extended their lead as Emily Willoughby placed the ball into the top left corner off a cross from Anderson to make the score 2-0 in eighth minute.

Three minutes later, Riley Barrett brought the ball up the right side, crossed to Willoughby who found Naira Lopez in front of the goal to extend the lead to 3-0. The two teams split possession over the course of the 20 minutes keeping the score at 3-0. Rio Grande looked to get on the scoreboard as Peyton Davis fired a shot on goal, however, Nicole Panis made a diving save to keep the Red Storm scoreless. On the ensuing Patriot possession Barrett found Shara Randez for a quick pass to Anderson who took one touch past the goalie to score her second goal of the match to make it 4-0 with 8:48 remaining in the first half. Cumberlands finished the half out-shooting Rio Grande 12-2 and forcing the Red Storm to make three saves.

The Patriots continued their offensive efficiency in the second half, as Micha Harris pushed to ball forward to Jillian Zurborg, who crossed to Kyla Lloyd for a quick strike to make the score 5-0, 30 seconds in. The two teams traded possessions over the course of the next 40 minutes, but neither team were unable to convert. Cumberlands capped off their home opener with a late goal as Harris got behind the defense and put a well-placed a shot into the right side of the net for the 6-0 final.

UC recorded its first season opening shutout since 2003 when they defeated Spalding University 2-0.

Cumberlands had five players contribute a point in their Patriot debut, with goals from Lopez, Anderson, Lloyd, and Harris. Willoughby also added three points, which is her highest point total since September 4, 2017 when she tallied a goal and two assists against Brewton-Parker.

Patriots will be back in action at home on Saturday, August 24, when they face Cincinnati Christian with kick-off set for 7:00 p.m. Live video of the match is available here.

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