ST. GEORGE, Utah – The Gonzaga women's soccer team eased to a 5-1 victory at Dixie State in its season-opener Wednesday.
The Bulldogs took an early lead getting their first goal of the season just three minutes into the game. Lauren Elwer assisted Maddie Cooley for a goal in the lower corner of the net. Just prior to halftime, Gabriela Maas and Payton Stiles connected with Erin Healy for a goal to give GU a 2-0 lead at the break.
The Trailblazers scored six minutes into the second half, when Whitley Griffiths found the back of the net. The Zags sealed the road win with three goals in the final 10 minutes of regulation. In the 80th minute, Maas struck a shot past the keeper. In the 85th minute, Jordan Thompson scored a penalty kick, before Hannah Hale rebounded her own blocked PK for a goal in the 87th minute.
The Bulldogs outshot Dixie State, 15-10, with a 9-6 advantage in shots on goal. Gonzaga's goalkeeper Lyza Bosselmann had four saves.
The Zags' next game is at Oregon Sunday at 1 p.m.