MONMOUTH, Ill.- The Western Illinois women's soccer team kicked off their exhibition portion of their 2007 season with a 6-0 victory over Monmouth College in Monmouth, Ill. The Westerwinds received their six goals from six different players.

“I was very pleased with the effort from everyone tonight,” stated Head Coach Tony Guinn. “We really showed our ability to possess the ball and kept the ball on their side of the field for a majority of the game.”

The Westerwinds received goals from both upperclassmen and newcomers and the defense put together a strong performance, only allowing two shots the entire game making it easier for goalies Julie Remes, Jessica Walsh, Meghan Tyk and Ashley Shugar. Tyk had the lone save.

“The team is really blending well,” said Assistant Coach Keith Luecht. “The returners are showing great leadership and the freshmen are falling in line and showing their capabilities.”

“We're doing a great job coming together this early in the season,” stated senior Kelly Warner. “The upperclassmen are very encouraging to everyone no matter what grade they are in.”

Senior Bess Rapp started the scoring for the Westerwinds with a header that found the back of the net after receiving a cross from sophomore Keeley Murray.

Fellow senior Misako Inaba capitalized off a penalty by the Fighting Scots when she took a free kick from twenty yards out and snuck it past Monmouth keeper Kayla Trammell.

Another senior, forward Robyn Ruypers, finished the scoring in the first half after receiving a pass from sophomore Tara Gallagher and ripping a shot into the corner of the goal.

Junior transfer Aimee St. Andre scored a goal to open up the second half after knocking in a rebound shot after senior Angie Guy bounced a shot off the hands of Monmouth keeper Sarah Wintersteen.

The Westerwinds also received goals from freshman Jill Kevorkian, on another assist from Gallagher, and on a long shot by freshman Kelsey Pillsbury.

Despite the 6-0 score, Guinn thought that the exhibition game was a very high quality game.

“I think Monmouth was a great team and a great host,” said Guinn. “They played very hard and I know they'll have a great season.”

Before the game Guinn announced his captains for the 2007 season naming Rapp, Warner, and junior Ashley Hoch as the leaders of the team.

The Westerwinds will travel to Iowa City to take on the Hawkeyes in their second and final exhibition match on Saturday.