SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Kylee Russell's hat trick led Whitworth women's soccer to a season-opening 4-1 win at Hamline University on Friday evening at Paterson Field.
Russell nearly matched her scoring output from the entire 2023 season (4) in one contest, helping Whitworth take an insurmountable 3-0 lead at halftime.
Lily Cardenas scored her first career goal as a Pirate in her first career match, unassisted in the ninth minute. Russell's first goal came in the 22nd minute, unassisted, for a 2-0 lead. She made it 3-0 just over three minutes later from an assist by Baylee Trejo.
Russell completed the hat trick in the 54th minute from another assist by Trejo. Whitworth had a chance to increase the lead to 4-0 later in the half, but a penalty kick was saved.
Hamline finally got on the board in the 81st on a goal by Christin Broyles, assisted by Maya Dempsey.
The Pirates outshot the Pipers 23-7, including an 11-3 edge in shots on-goal.
Paige Broadrick started the match in goal for Whitworth and went the first 71 minutes without allowing a goal. She made one save. Kiah Gary finished up the final 19 minutes and allowed one goal with one save.
The Pirates will be back in action on Saturday evening at Luther College in Iowa.
