Freshman Gabrielle Catrabone maneuvers past a West Virginia University Institute of Technology defender as the Lakers would rout the Golden Bears 7-0.The Mercyhurst College women’s soccer team won impressively by completely dominating their opposition in their opening two games of the season.

In the season opener Sept. 3, the Lakers crushed West Virginia University Institute of Technology 7-0.

The win showed the strength of the recruiting class as four new players scored six out of the seven goals.

Freshmen Gabrielle Catrabone and Perrin Kern led the way with two goals each, and Maria Antunez and Katie Michaelis each scored.

The Lakers then continued their dominance Sept. 5 when they defeated Davis & Elkins College 4-1.

Junior Molly Marsh added another two goals, and freshman Aina Torres and junior Paige McDowell each scored one.

Catrabone, a McDowell High School graduate, added three assists, starting off her college career very strongly.

She believes the team has strong unity, which has showed through its performances.

“I think our team has a lot of depth and is clicking early in the season,” said Catrabone.

“A strong desire to improve and do well, plus good coaching, are the main reasons for the team clicking so well and so quickly,” Catrabone said.

Senior Jamie Schroter says the strong start is a result of a solid pre-season.

“We have been able to start playing very well as a team,” said Schroter. “We are just trying to improve from game to game so web are ready for our strong Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference schedule.”

The Lakers were disappointed to finally give up a goal in the 89th minute to Davis and Elkins.

“It was a good reality check that we need to stay focused all 90 minutes, but that goal was still disappointing,” Catrabone said.

Though disappointing, the Lakers continue to dominate and have high hopes for the season, as they defeated Ohio Valley University, 4-0, on Tuesday.

The game was shortened at 71 minutes due to lightning.