HAMILTON - McMaster women's soccer capped off their opening weekend of 2023 OUA action with a convincing 4-0 win over the Waterloo Warriors on Sunday afternoon at Ron Joyce Stadium. The victory is the second straight by the Marauders and gives McMaster a 2-0-0 record to start the season.

Alena Spehar continued her dominance for the Marauders, recording her second straight hat trick of the season. After opening weekend, Spehar is the OUA leader in goals with six. Ali Mudie earned her first clean sheet of the season, making a highlight reel save in the second half to secure the shutout.

McMaster dominated possession from the opening kick-off and broke the deadlock early. Ancaster local, Emilie Calabrese beat the Warriors' goalkeeper in just the 18th minute of play. Rookie Ravina Braich picked up her first point as a Marauder, recording the assist on Calabrese's goal. In the closing minutes of the first half, Spehar scored the first of her three goals on a pass from Bryanna Caldwell, to put the Marauders up 2-0 after 45 minutes of play. 

With a two goal lead, the teams hit the field for the second half. McMaster added one just over 20 minutes into the second half as Spehar made no mistake on another opportunity, scoring her second of the game and adding to the McMaster advantage. Midfielder, Jade Abreo, recorded her fourth assist of the season. Spehar completed the hat trick, scoring on a penalty kick in the 80th minute of play, to clinch the victory and a perfect six points from the opening weekend.

The Marauders were dominant throughout the contest, outshooting the Warriors 18-3, including seven by Spehar. 

Next Up 

McMaster returns to action next weekend with the second home-and-home of the 2023 campaign. The Marauders will look to remain undefeated when they travel to St. Catharines on Friday night to face the Brock Badgers (0-0) before returning to Ron Joyce Stadium on Sunday afternoon at 1pm.