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LEWISBURG -- After struggling to finish off chances in its first two games of the season, the Bucknell women's soccer team scored early and often in Thursday's home opener against Mount St. Mary's, and the Bison delivered coach Kelly Cook her 100th win in decisive fashion.
Dani Howard's goal just seven minutes in was the first of five in the first 40 minutes of the match, and the Bison went on to win 8-1 on a rainy day at Emmitt Field at Holmes Stadium.
Now 2-1 on the season, Bucknell scored its most goals since an 8-0 win at Iona in 2016, and it was the most at home since a 9-0 victory over Delaware State in 2002.
"I thought on our trip out west we created a ton of opportunities, but our execution on the finishing end was not what we needed," said Cook, who is the first mentor in program history to reach the 100-win milestone. "Today I was very happy with our execution in the final third, and we scored some really nice goals as a result. It was great to get some players their first career goals and assists, and we got contributions from everyone."
Fourteen Bison registered a point, with Ashley Kozlowski and Tennessee Murphy scoring their first career goals. Presley Sutter notched a brace, and Howard tallied a goal and an assist as Bucknell piled up a 30-4 shot advantage.
The Bison found plenty space in the middle of field, and they cashed in just 7:05 into the match. Patriot League Rookie of the Week Ingrid Murphy centered for Katie Connell, who laid a ball off to Howard for the goal from the right side of the area.
Howard was involved in another goal just four minutes later. Louisa Thomsen sent Howard down the right flank, and her cross from near the end line was put home on the half-volley by Sutter inside the six-yard box.
Right on the half-hour mark, Emma Gavin's header was cleared off the goal line, but Riley Hayes was right there to pop home the rebound.