KISSIMMEE, N.Y. -- Houghton women's soccer claimed a 4-0 win over No. 6 seed Redeemer University on Day 1 of the NCCAA Division I Women's Soccer National Tournament on Monday.

The win puts the No. 3 Highlanders atop Pool B with three points after the first day of competition. The other game in the pool saw No. 2 Southwestern Christian and No. 7 Wayland Baptist play to a 1-1 tie to earn one point apiece.

Houghton got off to a great start against the Royals, putting three balls into the box in the first two minutes to create early threats. The Highlanders were unable to find the net, however, as it stayed scoreless early in the first half. A beautiful through ball from Avery Shuck in the 22nd minute put Elena Esh alone vs. the keeper and she would execute nicely to give Houghton the 1-0 lead. 

Redeemer was able slow down the Houghton attack after the goal, but would be unable to find any offense of its own, as the score remained 1-0 going into halftime. 

The Highlanders didn't take long to get the offense clicking in the second half. After gathering in a turnover on a goal kick in the 46th minute, Karryne Mims ripped a 25-yard shot off the far post and into the net. Houghton had a chance to go up 3-0 in the 60th minute, but the Redeemer keeper saved a penalty kick to keep it a two-goal deficit. 

Houghton controlled possession for the final half hour adding a pair of insurance goals in the 80th and 81st minutes from Taylor Cuyto and Annaleis Milne to secure the 4-0 victory and earn three points in Pool B. 

Final shots were in Houghton's favor, 28-8. Preslee Miller made six saves. Elizabeth Wertz had the helper on Milne's goal.

The win gives Houghton 12 victories on the season, marking the most since 2015 when the Highlanders captured the NCCAA title with a 16-6-2 record.

The Highlanders will return to action Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. when they take on No. 7 Wayland Baptist.

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