OMAHA, Neb. – The College of Saint Mary soccer team opened the 2022 season in a big way Tuesday.

The Flames defeated Waldorf University 3-0 with three second half goals in the nonconference contest.

"We started out very flat – especially with the heat – and that cost us some other opportunities in the beginning," CSM Coach Jordan Irsik said. "I was happy we got better as we went and were able to put the pedal down and finish the game with a lot of people getting minutes.

"I'm very pleased that a lot of our newer players stepped up to get points and we had a lot of players contribute."

The Flames scored their first goal at 52:20 when there was a miss clearance by the Waldorf goalkeeper out of the box. Abbie Anderson (SO/Omaha, Neb.) intercepted and chipped her for an unassisted score.

Then at 58:43, Anderson had a cross that was deflected by Marissa Ring (FR/Neola, Iowa) to Lesli Donis (FR/Lincoln, Neb.), who finished inside the six.

Finally, Kylie Anderson (JR/Omaha, Neb.) scored when Emily Riley (SR/Gautier, Miss.) sent in the corner kick and Anderson flicked it into the back of the net.

"It was awesome for Emily (Riley) to get a great assist for a goal on a corner," Irsik said.

The Flames outshot Waldorf 16-10 in the contest.

Gabby Felker (JR/Omaha, Neb.) started in net for CSM and had four saves in the first half. Alivia Schade (SO/Kearney, Neb.) played the second half as keeper and tallied six saves. Maria Gonzalez took the loss for Waldorf.

CSM is now 1-0-0 and returns to action on Aug. 31 at home against Grand View University. CSM's junior varsity squad will play at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Central Community College in Columbus, Neb.