Box Score EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE women's soccer earned its first win of the year 6-1 against Chicago State on a hat trick from sophomore Avery Anderson.
SIUE begins its season 1-0 while Chicago State drops to 0-1.
"We saw a lot of players do a lot of really good stuff tonight," said SIUE Head Coach Derek Burton. "Everyone who was available to us played minutes tonight which is great for depth and experience. Heading into Sunday we got what we wanted from tonight."
The first 18 minutes of the game was quiet as neither team could connect on a shot, despite the Cougars creating numerous chances. Their first goal came from junior Caroline Hoefert in the 19th minute. She scored in the box on an assist from junior Emily Grahl.
The Cougars connected against in the 34th minute on Anderson's first goal of the game. She scored to the far left post on a pass from freshman Katie Jordan. The Cougars left the first half with a 2-0 lead.
"Avery is just an athlete waiting to see the light," said Burton. "This will give her some confidence, hopefully. This is just scratching the surface of what she can do."
Chicago State edged its way back in the game in the 60th minute on a goal from Mariela Alba, making the score 2-1.
SIUE quickly responded with two quick goals in the 68th and 69th minutes from Mariah Vollmer and Anderson. Vollmer was assisted by Kelsey Pruett and Anderson's goal was unassisted as she tapped the ball in on a rebound for her second goal of the game.
Anderson earned her hat trick in the 76th minute, beating the goalie to a loose ball and nudging the ball past the keeper to the near post.
Caroline Hoefert added her second goal of the game to seal the deal for the Cougars in the 84th minute. She was assisted by freshman Becca Jostes.
Juli Rossi earned her first start in goal in the Cougar uniform and starts her career 1-0. She made two saves on the game. The Cougars outshot Chicago State 17 to four.
SIUE returns to Korte Stadium Sunday for a 1 p.m. matchup against Kansas State. The Cougars will be the second-ever match for the Kansas State program, which began its inaugural season Friday night.
"When you win the first game of the weekend it gives you a good feeling and some confidence going into the second game," said Burton.
