A couple of early goals in the first half propelled the Hesston College women’s soccer team past the visiting Barton Community College Cougars (Great Bend, Kan.). The win against Barton is the program’s first ever and takes the Larks’ season mark to 8-1.

Sophomore Christy Kauffmann (West Liberty, Ohio) opened the scoring in the 8th minute, glancing a shot over the hands of the outstretched Cougars goalkeeper from the corner of the box. Sophomore Mika Matsuda (Kyoto, Japan) doubled the lead minutes later, blasting a shot in from nearly 25 yards out. Sophomore Alicia Ramirez (Albuquerque, N.M.) scored in the 25th minute to give Hesston a commanding lead at 3-0 going into the break.

The teams exchanged goals in the second half to bring the final score to 4-1. Goalkeeper Cassidy Bontrager made three saves for the Larks.

Women’s soccer returns for another home match on Monday Sept. 26, hosting Bethany College JV. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.