The Lady Bruins soccer team began the 2017 season with eight games on the road, but the team enjoyed their home opener on Saturday afternoon as they defeated John Wesley University 9-1 at Alumni Stadium.

"It felt great to be back home," said Coach Carmichael. "We always have a great crowd and we love playing in front of our fans."

After a thrilling 1-0 overtime win against Columbia International on Friday night, the Lady Bruins were still riding high and it showed as the team controlled from start to finish in the win.

The Bruins out shot John Wesley 31-4, with the margin 16 to 1 in the first half. In the 10^th minute of play, Abby Davis was able to find Kaitlyn Hummel on a cross and Hummel scored to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead.  The Bruins came right back on the attack as Mikayla Rajcan beat several defenders on the outside. Her shot was deflected off the goalkeeper and Sarah Herr was there for the rebound, making it 2-0 Bruins.

"We did a great job of creating scoring opportunities and finishing them," said Coach Carmichael. "We were able to get in a groove and control the game."

The Lady Bruins didn't let up as Mikayla Rajcan scored from outside the box, firing a rocket over the goalkeeper's hands to give BJU a 3-0 lead at the midway point of the half. Although the Lions would get a goal of their own, the Bruins would pour it on as Kaitlyn Hummel scored her 2^nd goal of the afternoon and Abby Davis and Sarah Epperson each scored a goal giving the Bruins a 7-1 lead at the half.

In the second half, the Bruins continued to have success. Abby Davis scored her second goal of the match and Anna Daulton scored a pair of goals as the Bruins went on to win 9-1. It was a beneficial game for Coach Carmichael's team as he was able to empty his bench and give some of the younger players some much-needed experience.

"We have two important home games this coming week, so it's important for us to remain confident and play our style of soccer," said Coach Carmichael.

Abby Davis led the Bruins with two goals and two assists on the day while Kaitlyn Hummel and Anna Daulton each scored two goals. Mikayla Rajcan, Sarah Herr and Sarah Epperson each scored for the team as well as the Bruins improve to 3-6 on the season. 

Next up, the Lady Bruins will be back in action on Tuesday at Alumni Stadium as they host USC Upstate at 8:00 p.m.