ST. GEORGE - It took all of 26 seconds for the Dixie State College soccer team to go ahead against Chaminade University Saturday morning - momentum that carried them to a dominating 5-2 win at Hansen Stadium.

DSC took the opening possession through the heart of the Silversword defense as Shannon Larsen (Salt Lake City. UT/Skyline HS '06) sent a pass from Mikala Wilkes (Cedar Hills. UT/Lone Peak HS '06) into the heart of the net for the opening score in the first minute of play.

"When you score that quickly. it kind of takes them out of their game." said DSC coach Linda Huddleston. "We have some great players and we are starting to play well as a team. That is what we are looking for early on in the season is team chemistry."

Dixie State stayed on the offensive. scoring in the fifth minute on a header pass from Larsen to Erika Mouritsen (Wellsville. UT/Mountain Crest HS '07).

Chaminade goalkeeper Marissa Minor stayed busy all game. but was not able to stop every shot on goal as DSC scored again in the seventh minute. Wilkes scored an unassisted goal among a frenzy of activity near the net after a corner kick.

Dixie added one more goal in the 20th minute to take a 4-0 lead into the intermission. Using precision passing and touch. Whitley Davis (Sandy, UT/Brighton) was able to maneuver between two Chaminade defenders and pass the ball to Mouritsen for her second goal of the half.

"We tried to work on our passing game and moving the ball and finishing." continued Huddleston. "We have really tried to emphasize the need to be a good passing team."

Dixie State started the second half much like they finished the first. using accurate ball movement and disciplined spacing to maintain offensive control. DSC further cushioned their lead early in the second half when Wilkes passed to Dixie grad Jordyn Hutchinson. who touched it right back to Wilkes for a 5-0 lead.

"We played very well as team." said Larsen. who finished with a goal and an assist. "We focused on passing and communication out on the field and we continued to work hard and never gave up."

"Shannon (Larsen) did a great job. she has incredible ball skills." said Huddleston. "She can pass it where she wants and is a great distributor."

Chaminade added two late goals. both from Jamie Lindstrom. The second goal came off a penalty kick in the final minute of regulation.

The win improved Dixie State to 4-3-1 overall and 2-0 in the Pacific West Conference. good for first place. They will next head out on the road this Wednesday to face Grand Canyon University in Phoenix before returning home to face conference powerhouse Notre Dame de Namur this Friday at Hansen Stadium.

SHAYNE SCOTT-THESPECTRUM