Senior midfielder Paige Cater and junior forward-midfielder Kristen Epperly scored two goals each, leading the way in the St. Thomas women’s soccer team’s 5-0 win over Gustavus Wednesday at South Field.
The Tommies outshot the Gusties 21-4 and are outscoring opponents 9-0 through two games this season.
“I thought we came out ready to play,” coach Sheila McGill said. “We’ve been focusing all week on moving the ball quickly and making sure that we set a high pace, and we did that from the very beginning.”
Cater’s first goal was unassisted, and her second was assisted by junior defender Natalie Engel. In between her two goals, junior midfielder Lexi Serreyn took one in assisted by senior midfielder Kate Heimer.
“We did a really good job moving the ball and playing as a team, and it was so fun to be back on our home field,” Serreyn said.
This was the Tommies’ first home game in 525 days, after the fall season was pushed to the spring due to COVID-19. Many players on the team continued to stay active during their break.
“In our time off, we would always just…be out here (on South Field) playing, so we just like to keep playing,” Epperly said.
This was also the Tommies’ first regular-season game wearing masks, a new guideline under COVID-19 protocols.
“It’s definitely a struggle,” Cater said. “I know a lot of people will probably prefer not to, but I know for safety, it’s something that we prioritize.”
McGill sees a benefit to this challenge.
“Both teams have to do it, and because of that it’s the same disadvantage to both teams,” McGill said. “But at the same time, we’re figuring out ways to become accustomed to it and we’re training that way.”
St. Thomas will travel down the street to St. Kate’s Sunday for an 11 a.m. match.
Justin Amaker can be reached at justin.amaker@stthomas.edu.