DEFIANCE, Ohio — The Heidelberg University women's soccer team began the season in resounding fashion on the road at Defiance College Friday afternoon.

In their opening match of 2019, the Student Princes (1-0) knocked off Defiance (0-1) by a final score of 6-0. Heidelberg benefitted from a multitude of contributors as head coach Nick Spell saw five different players find the scoresheet. 

"It is great to start off the season with a win, but more importantly, it was really a team win," said Spell.  "We had a lot of contributions on the scoring end from multiple players and the defense was able to keep a clean sheet."

Midway through the first half, freshman Victoria Perez scored the team's first goal of the season and the first of her young career donning in the Tricolor from the penalty spot. 

Just seven minutes later, Erica Campbell served a corner kick into the area where fellow senior McKenzie Perry knocked home the Berg's second of the game. The goal marked Perry's fifth of her career.

Keeping up the high tempo, Spell's side found their third, courtesy of Campbell's fine strike. Karlee Cammarata was credited with the assist on Campbell's tally.

Finishing off the first half surge, Amanda Nething found the target with a quality finish — the second of her career.

The Student Princes found their fifth goal just three minutes after the halftime intermission via the Yellow Jackets. Just after a corner kick by Campbell, Defiance turned the ball into their own net, gifting the Student Princes another insurance tally.

Midway through the second half, freshman Audrey Kaufman joined Perez with a debut goal. Kaufman finished off a service from Madison Crow to cap the scoring for Heidelberg on the day.

"The team's hard work, competitive spirit and enthusiasm for their teammates was great today," said Spell.  "It is a good day for the coaching staff when your players have bought into the philosophy."

Freshman Meredith Bruce started in goal for the Student Princes collecting four saves in just over an hour of work. Sophomore Hailey Taylor stopped one shot in relief of Bruce. 

For Defiance, Madi Bowman was credited with four saves.

In total, Heidelberg outshot the Yellow Jackets 22-7. Furthermore, the Student Princes worked eight corner kicks opposed to none for Defiance.

The Berg will be back in action on Wednesday in their home opener vs. Oberlin.  The match is slated for a 4 p.m. start at the Hidden Valley Soccer Complex.