Three goals by Katelyn Krauss was enough for Cougar women's soccer to coast to a 3-0 victory over Westminster College on Sunday, as #9 CSUSM improved its record to 5-1-2 on the year.

The senior forward from Yorba Linda, CA now leads the team with four goals on the season.

From the opening whistle, it became apparent that CSUSM held a considerable advantage in size and athleticism. The Cougars controlled the early game, creating numerous chances in the game's opening minutes. They broke through in the 8th, when the Westminster keeper didn't strike a goal kick well, and Krauss was there to pick it off and drive home a shot from point blank range.

That would be all for the first half scoring, however, as CSUSM seemed to let up while Westminster played better as the half went. The game was very nearly tied in the 25th minute, when Cougar keeper Kaycee Gunion bailed out her defense by making a one-on-one save after a long ball somehow slipped through.

The game stayed close at the beginning of the second half, but the Cougars eventually pulled away. Krauss recorded her second goal in the 67th minute, chipping a shot over the keeper and into the net. Just two minutes later, Krauss was at it again, blocking a clear attempt and out-running the defense to the loose ball. She was once again flawless with the finish, knocking her shot into the back of the net to put the game out of reach.

CSUSM will be on the road next Wednesday when they take on Westmont.