HAYWARD, Calif. – The Simon Fraser University women's soccer team kicked off its 2017 campaign with a decisive 3-0 victory over California State University East Bay in non-conference action on Saturday.
 
The match, which was originally scheduled to begin at 1:00pm, was moved up to 10:30am due to the extreme heat conditions in California. "The heat was something I've never experienced before," said head coach Annie Hamel. "CSUEB worked really hard to get us an earlier kick off time for the safety of the student-athletes and we are all very thankful they were able to make it happen. Playing in 40-degree weather will always present extra challenges but we had a solid game plan, played smart organized soccer and it allowed us to get the win with a short bench."
 
SFU (1-0-0) was in attacking mode right out of the gate against the Pioneers (1-1-0) in hopes of getting an early advantage. In the eighth minute, junior midfielder Jenna-lee Baxter scored on a 25-yard free kick from the left side for her first goal of the season.
 
Less than four minutes after the Clan got on the scoreboard, Katelyn Erhardsen delivered a pass to 2016 GNAC Freshman of the Year Emma Pringle, who ran in behind the defense and shot the ball into the bottom left corner of the net from 15 yards out to give Simon Fraser a 2-0 advantage. SFU would take this lead into the locker room at the half.
 
CSUEB came out strong to start the second frame but failed to capitalize on their opportunities. In the 68^th minute, Baxter crossed a ball into the box to Pringle and she headed it past the Pioneers goalkeeper for her second of the game, extending the Clan's lead to three goals.
 
This was Pringle's second multi-goal game for Simon Fraser. Exactly a year ago in her freshman debut, she also scored twice against the Academy of Art and she would finish the 2016 season with nine goals in 17 games. "Pringle is starting the year where she left off and she shows no signs of slowing down," Hamel added. "As a sophomore, she looks even more dangerous and you can see the mental growth in her game. She is stronger and more determined than ever. It is amazing to have someone like her on our team and for the rest of the girls to understand and feed the type of weapons she has."
 
The Pioneers came close to scoring a few more times but they ultimately could not find the back of the net. SFU senior Priya Sandhu made three saves to earn her first shutout of the year.
 
Simon Fraser will begin its four-game home stand on Monday, September 4, against the Cal State Los Angeles Golden Eagles. Kick off is at 5pm on Terry Fox Field. The match will also be live streamed on Clan TV.
 
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--@SFUClan--