The first road trip of the season proved to be no problem for the Pirate women’s soccer team as they shutout Howard Payne University 4-0 in Brownwood, Texas.

Southwestern wasted no time proving their dominance over a much improved Howard Payne team with a goal by senior A.J. Andreola (pictured), assisted by Amy Douglas (second on the season), just six minutes into the contest and then Maria Pollifrone found Laura Kromann only six minutes later to put Southwestern up 2-0 early. Andreola felt the 2-0 lead wasn’t enough when she scored again in the 22nd minute unassisted to move the Pirates up by three, 3-0.

“I was really pleased at how well the team handled the first road trip of the season after a quick turnaround,” stated Coach Baclawski. “We have been talking all week about being able to dominate the first half and it was great to see them come out and put points up early.”

Junior Danielle Madison put the final stamp on the game with a goal in the 61st minute that deflected off the post and found the goal to give Southwestern the 4-0 win. SU dominated in the entire game taking 17 more shots (24-7) and seven more corners (8-1) than the Yellowjackets.

The Pirate defense remained solid throughout the game as HPU only managed seven shots during the game and when they did get to goal SU’s keepers senior Cheryl Duncan and first-year Sarah Nonaka took care of business recording one save a piece. The strong defense allowed the mid-field led by Madison and senior Laura Kromann to pressure HPU and send balls to streaking forwards like Jillian Curran who played well to keep the pressure on.

“It is a long season ahead of us but I am happy with how things are progressing thus far in the season,” says Baclawski. “We have another quick turnaround this week that will test us again.”

The 2-0 Pirates return home to face Texas Lutheran University on Tuesday. Game time is slated for 4:00 pm.