No. 7 Mines Overpowers ThunderWolves In Pueblo, 4-1
PUEBLO – NSCAA No. 7 Colorado School of Mines women's soccer sent across three first-half scores and cruised in its RMAC-opener Friday against Colorado State-Pueblo at the Rawlings Soccer Complex, 4-1.

Senior Kendra Bulawa began the scoring in the 24th minute with her first goal of the season, directing a look under the crossbar after a return of her corner attempt.

Less than four minutes later at 27:26, sophomore Cari Smith earned her first with a 21-yard shot to the left of the keeper off a pass from junior Deirdre Johnson.

Lined up against her sister, Jessica Westhoff, for the first time, junior Mel Westhoff set up freshman Haley Cole for the third tally with 7:44 to play in the frame, putting a through-ball to the six-yard line, where Cole slid it past the goalkeeper for her team-leading second score.

Senior Kenzie King reached the scoring column with her first collegiate goal in the 82nd minute, carrying a feed from Cole to inside the 18 and driving the shot to left net.

CSU-Pueblo (2-2-1, 0-1-1 RMAC) avoided the shutout with 4:45 remaining on a 15-yard try by Danelle Dondelinger – the first allowed by the Orediggers in 423:54 minutes.

Mines boasted advantages of 26-13 in shots and 13-8 in shots on goal, led by Smith, Westhoff, junior Rachael Turner and sophomore Caitlin Kaltenbaugh with two apiece.

The initial three goals equaled the most in the opening 45:00 in nearly two seasons, while the 26 shots were the most since 31 against Washburn on Sept. 18, 2012.

Junior Jayln Yates had a season-best seven saves across 90:00 minutes in net to improve to 4-0-1.

The Orediggers (4-0-1, 1-0 RMAC) remain 13th in the Division II record book in consecutive conference wins with 20 and moved into a tie for 15th in consecutive conference games without a loss at 27.

The women continue on the road Sunday, taking on Colorado Christian at 1:30 p.m. at Trailblazer Stadium in nearby Lakewood.