MARION, Ind. -- The 2010 Indiana Wesleyan University women's soccer season got underway with a bang as the Wildcats won 4-1 over visiting Bethel (Tenn.) University at Wildcat Field.

No. 10-ranked Indiana Wesleyan scored three first half goals for a 3-0 halftime lead to easily capture their first win of the year. Both teams found the back of the net once in the second half for the 4-1 score.

Wildcat senior midfielder Megan Marshall, a 2009 NAIA All-American Second Team selection, began the 2010 campaign with a hat trick, including the game-winner in the 21st minute. Marshall scored the match's first goal in the 15th minute and capped the night with her third goal in the 69th minute.

IWU junior forward Tori Lee also scored for the Wildcats. Her goal in the 42nd minute gave IWU a 3-0 lead just before the teams headed into halftime.

"With this being the first game of the season after only ten practices I wanted to play a lot of players," said Indiana Wesleyan head coach Dr. John Bratcher. "We found out where some players will be able to play multiple positions for the team.It was a very good team effort."

Sophomore goalkeeper Beth Anne Nowak earned the win in net as she saved the only shot on goal by Bethel in the first half. Sophomore Jamie Speidel was in net for the second half and made one save and allowed a goal in the 80th minute.

Added Bratcher, "We have to improve our mental game in order to have the season that we want to. Overall I was very pleased to get a win over a good program."

The Wildcats remain at home for their next contest as IWU hosts No. 4-ranked Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) College at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31.

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