With a thin 1-0 lead at the half, the American University women's soccer team (1-2-0) exploded with seven second half goals and its first win of the 2002 season, a decisive 8-0 win over Mount Saint Mary's College Wednesday afternoon at Reeves Field.

Junior Savannah Rennels (Rector, Pa./Latroba Area/Bucknell) tallied the first three goals including a header from Anabel Jimenez (Kensington, Md./Bullis), who had two dishes on the day, at 21:34 in the first half.

The final goal at 55:17 brought her goal total up to four in three games. Freshman Marcela Ricupero (Las Violetas, Monteserrin/Academia Central) was potent on the front line with two goals, both on mini breakaways down the center of the field.

Scoring the eighth and final goal with four minutes left was sophomore Sarah Boltz (Glen Mills, Pa./Ursuline Academy). Earning assists were senior Megan Monteith (Fredricksburg, Va./Chancellor), freshman Simone Konig (Gartringen/School of Economics in Boblingen) and sophomore Lauren Allen (Yardley, Pa./Pennsbury).

The Eagles outshot the Mountaineers by a 34-8 margin. AU sophomore goalkeeper Jen Liese (Rushland, Pa./Council Rock) made three saves and was relieved by freshman Lauren Wohl (Bel Air, Md./Bel Air/Bucknell), who made a diving save in the final minutes of the match.

American hosts Towson on Sunday, Sept. 8 at noon.