California Baptist University
Hawaii Pacific
Bernie And The Jenks
10/4/2013 1:57:00 AM | Women's Soccer
RIVERSIDE, Calif. --- Bernadette Witz and Kelly Jenks proved to be a winning combination as the duo netted a pair of early goals en route to a California Baptist University 4-0 victory over Hawaii Pacific.
"We were able to start quickly again today," said head coach Kristen St. Clair. "It's always nice to score three goals in the first 20 minutes."
Just like it had in the last two game, CBU struck first, early and often. Jenks sent a dangerous byline pass across the front of the goal, finding Witz waiting at the top of the six-yard box to send it home. Less than two minutes later, the pair combined again to put the Lancers up 2-0 in six minutes of play. This time from further distance, Witz drilled Jenks' pass past the diving HPU goalkeeper.
"It just shows why they were chosen all-conference last year," said St. Clair. "They rise to the occassion and feed off each other. They put in extra time for practice and it was big for both of them to step up."
The Lancers continued to dominate and capitalized again in the 18th minute to take a powerful 3-0 lead. Silvia Sanchez sent a service into the 18-yard box off a free kick and Kitra Walters volleyed her first goal of the season into the back of the net.
"We're fortunate to have a number of different players who can execute and create a variety of dangerous options," said St. Clair. "We're doing a great job of recognizing what those options are and taking advantage of them when they're available."
With the three-goal cushion, the Lancers came out of halftime thirsty for more goals. In a span of three and a half minutes, CBU fired off five shots, but couldn't get them past the HPU goalkeeper.
Lindsay Vesling broke free in the 70th minute off an assist from Jasmine Stokes. Stokes won the ball from a defender, got to the endline and sent a cross back across the grass to an open Vesling at the penalty spot, allowing Vesling to slot it easily between the posts.
CBU edged HPU 22-2 on shots, led by Witz's four shots--three of which were on goal.
The Lancers improve to 6-4 on the season, 5-1 in the Pac West, while the Sea Warriors drop to 2-6 overall and 0-3 in conference.
Looking to continue its winning streak, CBU has a few days rest before hosting Chaminade on Tuesday at 1 p.m.
"At this point in the year, nobody is fresh anymore," said St. Clair. "It's important to manage injuries and prepare for the next match with the small amount of downtime we get. There are no off weekends in this conference."
