Bears defeat Seahawks in women's soccer

NEW LONDON, Conn. – Sophomore Chase Merrick scored the first two goals of her career in the second half leading Coast Guard to a 6-1 win over Salve Regina in the home opener.

The Bears even their record at 1-1 on the season while Salve Regina drops to 2-2.

Riley Pogoloff scored just 1:37 into the match before Brielle Pearce touched a pass to Karagan Bulger, who dribbled by the defender and scored her first career goal, giving the Bears a 2-0 lead in the 12th minute.

Coast Guard would strike once more before the half when a pair of freshmen connected as Mckenzie Mogel scored her first career goal and Riley Vicinanzo had the first assist of her career.

Merrick tallied the first goal of her career with Vicinanzo again assisting as the Bears pushed the lead to 4-0 in the 54th minute.

Merrick was not done as she scored on a header off a direct kick from Anna Carleton in the 65th minute.  

Freshman Sydney Park scored her first career goal off a scramble in the box in the 71st minute as Coast Guard took a 6-0 lead.

Salve got on the board on a goal by Cat Hunter in the 72nd minute.

Hope Drake-Duval (1-0) made on save in the first half to pickup her first career win. Sarah Schollenberger made five saves and allowed a goal in the second half for Coast Guard.

Georgia Drake allowed three goals in the first half with four saves while Isabel Valerio allowed three second half goals and made three saves for the Seahawks.

The Seahawks host the Owls of Keene State on Saturday at Reynolds Field (12 p.m.).