By Brian Magloyoan | Texas Woman's Athletics Communications
 
DENTON — TWU Soccer opened the season at home in resounding fashion, defeating East Central, 5-0, in front of a capacity crowd at Pioneer Soccer Park.
 
"I think it was a good performance," head coach Babak Abouzar said. "After we got that first goal, it gave us all the momentum we needed."
 
In the 30th minute, Haley Ward, the team's leading goal scorer from a year ago, found the back of the net off an assist from freshman Jaycee Fuller.
 
"Our midfield really connected well with us," Ward said. "We were just attacking all game."
 
Less than a minute later, Fuller would add a goal of her own to the score line as the Pioneers jumped out to a 2-0 lead entering halftime.
 
An Abigail Martinez goal in the 56th minute continued the scoring barrage with a goal of her own. Ward would tack on her second goal of the match off an assist from Maddi Nolton in the 65th minute before a Fuller goal, off an assist from Sydney Andrews, in the 78th minute concluded matters.
 
"It was just a matter of (the team) relaxing," Abouzar added about his team's success. "We were able to connect and find our midfielders and they were able to find our forwards."
 
Daniela Marin and Sarah Campbell combined for the shutout in goal as the Pioneer defense complemented the offense, holding the Tigers scoreless.
 
"All of it just came together," Maddy Harper said of the team's defensive performance. "I think starting out well really helped for us."
 
Next up for the Pioneers will be Rogers State when they host the Hillcats on Thursday at 5 p.m.