AVE MARIA, Fla.- The Ave Maria University women's soccer team started their 2023 season with an offensive explosion, putting six goals in the back of the net in a 6-2 home win over Florida College Thursday night at Gyrene Field. After trailing 2-1 less than 20 minutes into the contest, the Gyrenes ripped off five unanswered goals to cruise to an Opening Night win. Ave Maria's win marked the Gyrenes' fourth season opening win in the last five seasons.

The first half was an action-packed one, as five goals found the back of the net between the two teams. After Florida College jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the eighth minute, the Gyrenes responded 84 seconds later. A cross from Catherine Dalton found the foot of Veronica Rodriguez, who finished for her first goal in an AMU uniform.

Thursday's 1-1 tie lasted just over eight minutes before the Falcons reclaimed the lead. After Florida College's goal in the 17th minute, the Gyrenes once again responded quickly. This time, Catherine Dalton was on the scoring end of a precision pass, as her sister Rachel Dalton played a through ball to the freshman, who beat the goalie with a blast from short range in the 25th minute.

Ave Maria then took their first lead of the game in the 37th minute. A loose ball eventually found the foot of Kaitlyn Ramos just outside the box, and the sophomore put one just past the Florida College keeper for her first tally of the season. Ramos' goal was the last of the first half, sending the Gyrenes to the break with a one goal lead.

In the second half, Madelyn Krause directed the offensive attack, assisting on three straight goals to help the Gyrenes pull away. Krause hit Catherine Dalton after a nifty move in the 69th minute, then got the ball to Lexi Boyko after winning a 50-50 ball in the 71st minute. 

The Gyrenes completed the scoring in the 85th minute, when Krause placed a pass to Chiara O'Keefe, who finished from the top of the box. Krause's effort tied the school record for assists in a single match, joining Kayla Manchette, Victoria Johnson, and Brenda Tubb as the only players in AMU history with three assists in a single match. 

Ave Maria controlled almost all of the action Thursday night, outshooting the Falcons by a margin of 29-5, including an 18-3 edge in shots on goal. Catherine Dalton and Cate Cox were AMU's most active attackers, combining for 13 total shots. Emma Schweitzer earned the goal in net, playing all 90 minutes in her first game of college soccer.

Thursday's game was originally scheduled for Tuesday, leaving AMU less than 48 hours to prep for their second match of the season. Ave Maria will play host to the Knights of Middle Georgia State, who are currently 0-2 after August losses to Bethel and SCAD-Savannah. Opening kickoff between the Gyrenes and Knights is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., with the broadcast available on The Sun Digital Network.