PITTSBURGH, Pa. – La Roche women's soccer opened the 2023 season with a bang, shutting out Thiel 3-0 in dominant fashion.

Through one half of play, the Redhawks (1-0, 0-0 AMCC) led 1-0 after a corner kick by senior Alexandra Mecchia was placed beautifully in the box for fellow senior Victoria Biagetti headed it to take the lead at the 20:29 mark.

Out of halftime, La Roche received to penalty kicks after the Tomcats (0-1, 0-0 PAC) fouled Mecchia twice in the box in a 1:57 span.

The first penalty was successfully completed by senior Alexis Nudds (45:35) and the second was buried by freshman Finnleigh Gould at 47:32.

The stat sheet was stuffed by the Redhawks, who peppered 21 shots in the contest and placed 12 on the frame.

The defense also dominated, not allowing Thiel to successfully have a single shot of the game, making life easy for goalkeeper, sophomore Julianna Hornikel.

La Roche improves to 2-0-1 in its last three openers and will look to win its second in a row when they host Washington & Jefferson at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 3.