LACEY, Wash. – For the first time in a decade, the Saints' Women's Soccer program is 2-0 in the opening week of action, and they did it in style. Setting the school record for most shots in a single game, the Saints cruised by Northwest Christian 4-0 in their home opener.
 
Shea McKnight got the scoring started with her second goal of the season in the 23rd minute, before the Saints added two right before halftime in Maia Larsen and Gloria Petri in the 41st and 44th minute respectively. Kiersten Madsen added her second goal of the season in the second half, scoring on a penalty kick. Sara Christensen got the start at goalkeeper and posted the first clean sheet of the year.
 
From the first touch of the game to the final horn, the Saints (2-0-0) were in control of the match over the Beacons (0-1-0). McKnight, who scored the final goal on Thursday's night match, put the Saints on top after her first shot just a minute earlier was blocked.
 
With the clock running out before half, the Saints managed to open the score up with two goals in the final five minutes, Larsen scored her first goal in a Saints' uniform after a volley from Jessica Moskowitz found an open Larsen in the box. The Saints quickly added one just minutes later, when a shot from Petri rolled under the keeper's hand and in for a 3-0 lead.
 
 In the second half, the Saints managed to keep the pressure on the Beacons, out shooting them 16-4, and were able to convert in the 77th minute. Madsen, who had a goal and assist on Thursday, scored her second goal and seventh point of the week on a penalty kick, who to the left post, past the diving keeper.
 
The school record for most shots in a single match was 24 and the Saints quickly erased the record, eclipsing the mark halfway through the second half. Christensen played the full 90 minutes and made four saves on seven shots faced for her first clean sheet of the year.
 
The Saints continue their home stand with a match next Thursday, September 6 at 12:30 against Academy of Art. Live stats and video of the match will be available on smusaints.com.