MOSCOW, Idaho – Idaho soccer opened up the Kibbie Dome on Sunday with a tremendous performance, shutting out Mount Royal, 4-0, on Sunday afternoon.
 
"I thought it was exactly what a preseason game should be," said head coach Derek Pittman.  "I thought our players played really well in the first half, it was nice to see somewhat of a starting lineup go out and run around for a good 30-35 minutes before we started to make some subs, just getting in the patterns of what the college game is going to be."
 
"The team looks really good," Myah Merino said after the game.  "From preseason practices we're seeing a lot of the same routines coming into the game.  Playing as a unit, playing together, and having fun is the most important part."
 
Bridget Daley got the first goal started, working her way down the right sideline before sending in a low cross to the middle of the box.  Olivia Baggerly was able to get a toe on it, pushing the ball across to Merino who slid in a simple shot to the back of the net.
 
Baggerly would double the advantage a few minutes later, cleaning up after a Merino shot came off the crossbar.  Hadley Sbrega got in on the scoring moments later.  Merino added her second of the day early in the second half, burying a shot into the back of the net after a great cross in.
 
Makayla Presgrave got the nod in goal, playing the first 70 minutes before switching out with Julia Byerlein.  The duo were solid all game, making a handful of saves on the day.
 
"It was nice, and that's what we hope to do, frustrate opponents and make life difficult for them," Pittman said.  "To be able to see Liv, Myah, and even Hadley Sbrega to be able to break through and create that opportunity, it was definitely nice."


 
Another week of practice lies between Idaho and the regular season opener, at UC Santa Barbara on August 18.  Check back with GoVandals.com as the game gets closer for more information.
 
Fans can stay up-to-date on all things Idaho soccer by following the team on Twitter and Instagram, @VandalsSoccer, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals Women's Soccer.

For more information on Idaho Athletics, visit GoVandals.com.  Fans can also find Idaho on Twitter and Instagram, @Idaho_Vandals, or on Facebook by searching Idaho Vandals.