DECORAH, Iowa - On Friday evening, the Luther women's soccer team started off with a 5-1 win over Bethany Lutheran College in the first ever meeting between the two teams. The goal scorers for Luther were Sofia Colavita (2), Lauren Linkletter (2) and Ava Stemler. 

The Norse scored four goals in the first half. Just two minutes into the contest, Colavita collected the deflection off Viking goalkeeper Arayah Baker firing it into the goal for an early 1-0 lead. Then in the ninth minute, Anya Kenney threaded it through to the feet of Colavita who scored her second of the game.

The Norse would keep up the offense pressure as two more goals came before the whistle for halftime. After a poor giveaway by the Vikings, Linkletter had a defender on her back as the goalie came off her line. She fired it low and into the back of the net for her first of the season in seventh in her career in the 28th minute. A minute later, Stemler was on the score sheet with a goal buried into the lower left corner pocket. 

In the second half, Colavita sent the ball up to Linkletter who was able to race down towards the ball beating out the defenders. The Viking goalie came off her line and Linkletter went around her for a wide open goal for a 5-0 advantage. Later in the 86th minute the Vikings scored a goal but it wasn't going to be enough for a comeback. 

Colavita and Stemler recorded their first career goals. Newcomer Anya Kennedy tallied her first career assist. Linkletter recorded her first multi-goal game since scoring two against St. Scholastica on Sept. 24, 2023. 

Luther out shot Bethany Lutheran 17-12 with a staggering 11 shots on goal. 

Up next the Norse will take on the Saints of St. Scholastica at 3:30 on Sunday, Aug. 31. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. in Duluth, Minn.