NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Nine different players registered points as the Saint Mary's soccer team claimed an 8-0 win over IU-South Bend on Saturday afternoon.

 

Sophia Fleming got the Belles on the scoreboard early as the freshman scored on a free kick in the fifth minute of play for the 1-0 advantage. Rose Stackhouse doubled the lead with a far-post strike in the 15th minute, and the sophomore picked up a brace with a rising-shot goal in the 25th minute. Maddy Hansen put the pressure on the Titans' defense yet again and had a strong shot from the top of the box saved, but the rebound fell directly to the feet of Maya Cole. Cole buried the chance from close range for a 4-0 lead in the 33rd minute.

 

The Belles continued to work the offense during the opening half of play. Sophia Fleming dropped a well-placed corner kick into the box in the 39th minute, and Megan Saunders headed home the goal from inside the six. Three minutes later, Saint Mary's made it a 6-0 game after Maya Cole connected with Brandi Muys with a slot pass as Muys slid in her first collegiate goal.

 

After the halftime break, the Belles picked up right where they left off as they struck early in the second period. Emily Stross played a throw-in to Lexi Trombly, who then slotted a pass into space for Jillian Bowen. Bowen then took a wide touch before burying her first collegiate goal in the 48th minute. In the 76th minute, the Titans were attempting to clear the ball from their back line of defense, but a misplayed touch put the ball at Trombly's feet in the box. The sophomore chipped in a close shot for the 8-0 margin.

 

Sophia Fleming, Brandi Muys, and Jillian Bowen each registered their first collegiate goal in the win with Fleming's strike serving as the game-winner. Emily Stross, Maddy Hansen, and Fleming each added their first collegiate assists. Rose Stackhouse posted a brace, and Megan Saunders, Lexi Trombly, and Maya Cole each had a goal for the Belles. Thallia Robles made one save in goal en route to the shutout.

 

The Belles (3-1) conclude their four-game homestand on Tuesday, September 10 when they host Defiance at 7:00 p.m.