By Ron Smith
August 19, 2017
 
(OLATHE, Kan.) Westmont Women's Soccer, ranked 11th in the NAIA, started off the season on the right foot, blanking the Pioneers of #25 MidAmerica Nazarene (0-1) by a score of 5-0. Sophomore forward/midfielder Maddi Berthoud and freshman forward Bri Johnson each scored a pair of goals with junior midfielder Hailey Parker scoring once.
 
The team from temperate Santa Barbara faced not only a ranked opponent in Olathe, but also heat in the mid-90s and a humidity that pushed the heat index to 97.
 
"In the first half, we were battling the elements," acknowledged Westmont head coach Chantel Cappuccilli. "Once we worked our way into the first half and made the adjustments to the heat and the humidity, things started to come together and we were able to find goals later in the half. The more we make the ball do the work in those elements and settings, the more effective we are going to be."
 
Berthoud scored the first goal of the game for the Warriors in the 35th minute.
 
"Bri played a great ball into the box," described Cappuccilli. "Maddi had a touch and placed it. Bri strikes the ball well and has the ability to pick people out and she did just that when she got Maddi."
 
Eight minutes later, Westmont extended its advantage to 2-0.
 
"The ball was played out wide on the right side," recalled Cappuccilli. "Savannah (Scott) did a good job to get herself into position to play the ball across the box. We had a lot of numbers in the box and Savannah found Hailey's head."
 
Returning to the field after halftime, Westmont had a plan to pad its lead.
 
"In the second half, we were able to utilize the width more," explained Cappuccilli. "Once we got the ball wide, the game opened up for us."
 
Johnson scored unassisted goals in the 63rd and 76th minute to double the Warriors' advantage.
 
"Bri found herself in a really good position because of her movement off the ball, which lead to her being able to score those goals."
 
Westmont's refusal to let the oppressive weather slow them down was demonstrated when the Warriors scored again in the 86th minute.
 
"The ball popped out around the top of the 18," described Cappuccilli. "Maddi took a touch around her defender to the right and placed it (in the net's) upper-V. It was a beautiful set-up to a well-placed finish.
 
The Pioneers were limited to just three shots on goal compared to Westmont's 12. Senior goalkeeper Amber Rojas tended the net for the Warriors in the first half and produced a save on the only shot on goal that she faced. Freshman keeper Gabi Haw notched two saves on the day.
 
"I think limiting Mid-America to three shots on goal speaks to our discipline defensively and the way that Renee and Alanna were leading our back line.
 
"Both keepers are giving us really good looks right now and both of them are making significant contributions," offered Cappuccilli. "I am proud of the way they have been able to carry themselves. Both of them had very good moments today.
 
The Warriors will remain in Kansas for a game against #4 Benedictine on Monday. This is the second year in a row Westmont has played at Benedictine. Last year, the Warriors defeated the Ravens by a score of 4-2. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CST.