No. 7 Fort Lewis steamrolls St. Cloud State in women’s soccer opener

September 9, 2011

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — All-America forward Hayley Hollenga scored two goals and added an assist as No. 7 Fort Lewis (1-0-0 overall) defeated St. Cloud State (0-1-0) 4-0 today at Morstad Field.

“We didn’t play great, to be honest,” said fifth-year FLC head coach Damian Clarke. “We still have a long ways to go. I thought we did a very good job of winning the ball back quickly in our half and keeping them pinned in. Most of our goals came from winning the ball in there half and combining quickly to score.”

Hollenga scored the 34th and 35th goals of her career to become FLC’s all-time goal scoring leader. She leapt past Carissa Bradford (1995-99) and Kate Mahler (2003-06), each of whom had 34 markers during their respective careers.

Hollenga, who will be honored as a member of FLC’s All-Century Team on Sunday, Sept. 18 as one of the top 100 athletes, coaches, and administrators in school history, also ranks as the Skyhawks’ all-time leader in total points (93) and assists (23).

“Hayley today was absolute class,” said Clarke. “She’s just a big kid who is an absolute handful and just a superior player. She’s at a different level.”

The Skyhawks took a 1-0 lead just 17:10 into the game when Hollenga struck first, off an assist by Sara Egbom. They extended their lead to 2-0 when Hollenga helped Megan Striedel find the back of the net at 38:12.

Hollenga second goal extended the lead to 3-0 at 56:30 and moved her past Bradford and Mahler into the top spot in the FLC record book. Freshman striker Sam Weiss assisted on Hollenga’s historical marker.

Senior Michelle Felten ended the scoring at 80:07 on an unassisted goal that followed a corner kick.

Sophomore goalkeeper Amanda Raso made four saves to earn a shutout in her first collegiate starting assignment.

“She made one huge one-on-one save in the first half and had an upper V save where she pushed the ball into the post on a shot she had no business being close to,” said Clarke.

St. Cloud State’s Kenzie Hanzlik made 11 saves while allowing four goals.

Fort Lewis outshot the Huskies 21-6 overall, 15-4 in shots on frame.

The Skyhawks face host Augustana (0-1-0) at 11 a.m. (MDT) Sunday. The Vikings lost 4-1 yesterday to Minnesota State (1-0-0).