CARLINVILLE, Ill. – The Webster University women's soccer team was back in action this afternoon when they traveled to Blackburn College for their first SLIAC matchup of the year. The Gorloks cruised past the Beavers by a final score of 5-0 to improve to 4-2 on the season and 1-0 in SLIAC play. Mia Smith led the way offensively with one goal and four assists, while Lucy Elfrink added two goals as Webster opened conference play with a win. With the loss, Blackburn falls to 3-4-2 on the season and 0-1 in the conference.
The Gorloks outshot the Beavers 21-4 with Webster putting 12 shots on target compared to one for Blackburn. Webster also held an 8-2 advantage in corner kicks.
The Gorloks got on the board in the 21st minute when Lucy Elfrink found the back of the net off an assist from Mia Smith to give Webster a 1-0 lead. Elfrink recorded eight shots on the afternoon with four on target.
Webster broke the game open late in the second half, scoring four times in a span of just over 10 minutes. Malaya Blakely extended the Gorloks' lead to 2-0 in the 74th minute when she found the back of the net off an assist from Smith.
Just 47 seconds later, Smith added another goal for Webster off an assist from Riley Cappozzo. The Gorloks continued to add to their lead when Sydney Oliver scored in the 76th minute off assists from Smith and Ellie Fiala.
Webster capped off the scoring in the 85th minute when Elfrink scored her second goal of the afternoon. Smith and Olivia Kouray were credited with assists on the goal.
Leia Adkins was in goal for the Gorloks as she recorded one save to earn the shutout. Adkins and the Webster defense held Blackburn without a goal for the full 90 minutes.
The Gorloks will return to the pitch on Thursday, October 1st when they host Lyon College (Ark.) for a SLIAC matchup. The game is set to start at 5 p.m. at WWT Soccer Park.
