THROGGS NECK, NY – Things couldn't have gone much better for the Maritime College women's soccer team in its season opener on Friday afternoon.  Kiera Ford (Montgomery, NY) had a hat trick, while Kathryn Sandford (Floral Park, NY) tallied two goals and two assists, as the Privateers (1-0-0) were thoroughly dominant in a 7-0 win over Alverno (0-1-0) at Reinhart Field.  The seven goals were Maritime's most in a season opener since 2011, when the Privateers scored 10 against Yeshiva.

After Alverno goalkeeper Emily Anguiano turned away some early Maritime chances, the Privateers finally broke through in the 24^th minute.  Ford's shot was saved and went right onto the foot of Sandford, who put it away to get Maritime on the board.  Less than five minutes later, the Privateers struck again when Anya Josberger (Coxsackie, NY) blasted one from the front of the box after Anguiano had made the save on Sandford.

In the second half, Maritime erupted for five more goals, including two 45 seconds apart.  Ford notched her first goal of the game in the 59^th minute off a perfect cross from Ava Morrill (New Windsor, NY), then Sara Williams (Oceanside, NY) connected with her on a half-volley in the 63^rd minute to make it 4-0. 

Morrill picked up her first collegiate goal in the 70^th minute before Sandford's 71^st-minute blast went off a defender and into the net for her second tally of the game.  Ford completed her hat trick five minutes later off an assist from Sandford, her second helper and sixth point on the day.

Maritime held a 38-0 advantage in shots.  Twenty-one of the Privateers' attempts went on goal, with Anguiano (0-1-0) making 14 saves.  Emily Commodore (Tinton Falls, NJ) (1-0-0) was credited with the shutout in net for Maritime.

The Privateers return to action on Tuesday, when they host SUNY Delhi (0-1-0) at 5 p.m.  It will be the opener of a Maritime soccer doubleheader at Reinhart Field, as the men's team takes on Five Towns at 7:30 p.m.