Junior Andrea Dello Russo scored two goals to lead the Muhlenberg women’s soccer team to a 5-1 win against Cabrini in the opener for both teams.

The Mules outshot the Cavaliers by a 21-6 margin en route to recording

Both Francis (above) and Nealis scored their first career goals.

their highest goal total since 2002.

Dello Russo notched her first goal at 11:42, taking a touch pass from junior Maria Tranguch. The goal gave the Mules a 2-0 lead. She also recorded the only goal of the second half as she dribbled off a defender and blasted the ball into the net at 71:12.

“We wanted to come out hard the first 15 minutes and we really were able to do that today,” said Dello Russo, who matched her career total in goals.

Sophomore Megan Francis was able to score off senior Katie Amari’s corner kick to increase the Mules’ advantage to 3-0 with 10 minutes left in the first half. The Cavaliers came right back a minute later with their lone goal of the game, but two minutes after, Francis found junior Emily Nealis to bring the lead back to three goals.

“After their goal, we looked to keep our momentum going and not turn our heads, ” said Francis. “We wanted to take back control.”

Muhlenberg was able to do that, allowing just two shots the remainder of the game and keeping the ball mostly on Cabrini’s side.

“We were really able to support and play off each other,” said sophomore Maura Hendsey. “We were focused on coming out hard and taking control today. It all worked out.”

Muhlenberg opened the scoring at 8:12 when junior Kristen Cioeta took a shot that bounced of Cabrini’s goalie and into the net.

The Mules’ opening victory came the same day Head Coach Leslie Benintend gave birth to her son.

“It was important for us to come together and win one for [Benintend],” added Dello Russo.

As the Mules gave birth to their season Thursday night, they hope it is just a glimpse of good things to come in 2005.

Click here for box score.