Classes aren’t yet in session but the Arizona soccer team is putting in work, defeating UNLV in its season opener 5-0 Thursday night.
All five of the Wildcats’ goals came in the first half of the match at Murphy Field at Mulcahy Stadium. UNLV was limited to two shots on goal, both of which were stopped by UA senior goalkeeper Olivia Ramey.
Despite Arizona having a good group of returning players, three of the Cats’ five goals came from newcomers Aurora Gaines, a sophomore forward who transferred from LSU, and sophomore midfielder/defender Lily Boydstun from Arkansas.
Arizona soccer celebrates after its season-opening win over UNLV Thursday.
Gaines scored twice early, according to a news release, and Boydstun recorded the third goal. Returning forward Narissa Fults brought in the Cats’ fourth goal, before an own-goal propelled UA to 5-0.
Lightning halted play in the second half for 20 minutes and another stoppage occurred when the stadium lights went out with about 20 minutes remaining, but Arizona soccer still managed to outshoot the Rebels 15-6 and held a 60% possession advantage, according to the news release.
Two assists came from Sami Baytosh, a senior midfielder who has spent her entire collegiate career at UA, while Boydstun added one, along with sophomore forward Rose Calkins.
Up next, Arizona faces UC Irvine in Tucson at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, before hitting the road Thursday to take on New Mexico State University (0-1).
UC Irvine kicked off season play with a 4-1 win over Grand Canyon University in Phoenix Thursday. The UC Irvine match will air on ESPN+.
