MISHAWAKA, Ind. --- The Bethel Pilots Women's Soccer team (1-0) grabbed the season opener with a hat trick from Audrey Lerch vs. Concordia University (0-2) on a beautiful Saturday afternoon on Morey Field. 

The Pilots could score early in the match as Leena Thomas scored in the 6th minute. 

Right out of the gate of the second half, Graduate Student Audrey Lerch recorded her first goal of the season in the 47th minute with an assist from Leena to put the Pilots up 2-0. 

The Cardinals fought back as they found their own goal in the 51st minute of the match through Alyssa Pringle.  

The Pilots responded quickly with some offense as Audrey Lerch scored in the 57th minute with an assist from Olivia Lambdin and again in the 58th minute with an assist from Giulia Franco.

Leena Thomas recorded four shots and one goal, while Audrey Lerch shot six times with three goals. Jael Schubert had three saves and allowed one goal. 

Bethel out-shot Concordia 26-8, and the Cardinals committed seven fouls to the Pilots' four.

"In the second half, our passing improved a lot. All my goals were off really good assists, so a big thanks to my teammates." Audrey Lerch said. "It felt good to get the first win, and we're going to improve a lot this year and hopefully make it to nationals." 

SCORING SUMMARY 

'5:09| Leena Thomas (BU) unassisted  

'46:33| Audrey Lerch (BU), assisted by Leena Thomas 

' 50:09| Alyssa Pringle (CU) unassisted  

' 56:16| Audrey Lerch (BU), assisted by Olivia Lambdin 

' 57:33| Audrey Lerch (BU), assisted by Giulia Franco 

NEXT TIME OUT 

The Pilots host Holy Cross College on Morey Field for High School Night Wednesday, Aug. 23, at 6:00 PM. 

For the latest information on each of Bethel University's 31 intercollegiate athletic teams, visit BUPilots.com or follow the Pilots on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @BUPilots or on YouTube at /BethelSportsNetwork.