ST. GEORGE – Kicking off a final four match stretch at home, the Dixie State women’s soccer team is in the proverbial driver’s seat journeying toward a Pacific West Conference championship. Win two of the four contests and wrap up the title. Friday night at Hansen Stadium, the Red Storm completed half the task with a 4-0 win over visiting Grand Canyon.
Dixie State (12-3, 11-0 PW) outshot the Antelopes 20-9 and arguably played their best 45 minutes of soccer this season in the second half. Grand Canyon (7-8-2, 4-5-2 PW) dropped below .500 in the conference with their second defeat to DSC this season.
Wendy Stratford (Layton. UT/Layton HS '05) scored a pair of goals including the game-winner in the 50th minute on a crossing header. Her second goal came in the 81st minute on a right-side cross from Shannon Larsen (Salt Lake City. UT/Skyline HS '06).
Erin Beeston (Edmond. OK/Edmond HS '07) – on a breakaway – and Camille Peterson (North Logan. UT/Sky View) – on another Larsen crossing pass – scored the other Red Storm goals in the second half.
Larsen helped on all four Dixie State goals for a season high in assists.
Goalkeeper Tonya Smith (Eagle Mountain. UT/Lehi) made four saves on the nine Grand Canyon shots on the night.
Dixie State continues their quest for the Pac West title on Tuesday afternoon against Dominican University. Kickoff at Hansen Stadium is at 4:30pm.