COLUMBUS - The Capital University women’s soccer team began its 2011 season on a high note Thursday with a forceful 4-0 victory over Ohio Wesleyan in a non-conference affair at Bernlohr Stadium.

The Crusaders, who outshot the Battling Bishops (0-1) by a 16-2 margin, never trailed in the game and gave first-year head coach Chris Kouns his first win in his first contest at the helm at Capital.

“This program is going to pride itself on its relentless nature,” Kouns said. “At halftime, I told the team we had to decide what type of team we would be and that a good team would come out and put the dagger in. We have so many players who are willing to attack.”

Freshman Briana Walcutt (Powell, Ohio) scored a pair of goals in her collegiate debut, both in the second half to help Capital (1-0) run away from Ohio Wesleyan.

“It feels pretty good,” Walcutt said of striking twice in her first-ever game. “Our formation works well for our team. I thought we did a really good job of knowing where we were on the field. Everyone did their jobs.”

Senior Natalie Fiorelli (Pickerington, Ohio), the Crusaders’ top returning scorer, stole a ball deep in the offensive third and struck a ball just inside the post to open Capital scoring in the 10th minute.

“Natalie’s first goal was terrific,” Kouns said. “She used her outside foot and went to the far post, showing a lot of composure. That’s just an extension of her experience of playing over the summer.”

According to Fiorelli, Kouns’ system of continuously challenging the players fed into the team’s relentless attack.

“’Coach’ said it’s all about getting turnovers and attacking quickly,” Fiorelli said. “We work hard to get numbers and work in transition. We had a bunch of people in the box, which played to our advantage.”

Junior Breanne Daly (Cincinnati, Ohio) capped first-half scoring in the 41st minute, picking up a rebound off a fantastic attack by junior Katherine Connell (Drexel Hill, Pa.). Connell took a shot from just inside the box, recovered her own rebound and got another shot off, which Daly followed into the goal.

Players and coaches also credited senior Jaime Meiser (Avon, Ohio) and the rest of the back line for helping goalkeeper Maggie Donnellan (Cincinnati, Ohio) post a shutout with three saves.

“It was a great first step in our journey,” Kouns said. “I told our players we don’t accept wins, we enjoy them … it’s only part of the destination. Each game is one more step in the journey.”

Capital returns to action this Saturday, Sept. 3, at Denison for its first road match of the season. Game time is slated for 1 p.m. in Granville, Ohio.

“Denison is a good, physical team,” Fiorelli said. “We really only get one day off (between games), but I think we have enough depth on this team. Our entire bench can compete at this level.”