FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.  Methodist's women's soccer team earned a season-opener victory over visiting Eastern Mennonite University by a 2-0 margin. The Monarchs dominated the match, out shooting the Royals 17-6.

Natalia Marshall-Hewitt recorded the decisive goal in the 17th minute. Haley Strain added an insurance goal in the 64th minute. Each of these were their first career collegiate goals.

THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Methodist def. Eastern Mennonite, 2-0
Records: Methodist 1-0; Eastern Mennonite 0-1
Location: Duggins Soccer Stadium; Fayetteville, N.C.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• On the far side, Laura Harris beat a defender to free herself. As the keeper came up to challenge Harris, she passed it to Marshall-Hewitt, who was running toward the middle, to touch into the net.
• Harris recorded her second assist of the match after finding an open Strain on the near side of the net.
• The Monarchs controlled the game the way they wanted to play, especially in the second half when they had a 10-1 and 5-0 advantage, in shots and corners respectively.

NUMBERS

• Methodist's 8-0 edge in corner kicks also defined a dominant possession game by the Monarchs.
• Strain put up a team-high four shots followed by Marshall-Hewitt and Alexis Lemons, each had taken three shots.

 
NEXT UP
Methodist will travel to Laurinburg, N.C., on Wednesday for a 5 p.m. non-conference outing against St. Andrews University.