DANBURY, Conn. - A strong first half performance that included four goals in the opening 45 minutes for the Saints helped Emmanuel women's soccer to a 5-0 victory over the Western Connecticut State Wolves on Saturday afternoon in the season opener for both sides from the Westside Athletic Complex. The Saints win their season opener for a third time in the last four seasons as they improve to 1-0-0 on the year.

Sophomore Aleena Solano started her 2025 season quickly, scoring the first two tallies of the match inside the first 10 minutes. Just 1:27 into the game, Solano found the back of the net, giving Emmanuel a 1-0 lead. Just seven minutes later, Solano cashed in again, thanks to an assist from senior Liz McCormick, boosting the lead to 2-0.

First-year Carla Andreu Panighi knocked home her first career collegiate goal in the 28th minute, increasing the Saints advantage to 3-0. Senior Sarah Dullaghan capped off the first half scoring in the 37th minute with McCormick providing another assist for the visitors. Shortly after the break, Dullaghan was back on the board, scoring her second of the match in Emmanuel's 5-0 win.

Solano's pair of tallies is more than she scored throughout her entire rookie season, as the consecutive goals give her two this season. Dullaghan's pair of tallies are her first two of the season and give her 81 career goals. Sophomore goalie Teigan Robie made two saves for the Saints, moving to 1-0-0 with the win.

Emmanuel returns to play on Tuesday, Sept. 2, traveling to Connecticut College for a 7:00 p.m. match. The Saints defeated the Camels 2-1 last season in the only meeting between the two sides.