GOLDEN, Colo. - #15 Colorado School of Mines rode two first-half goals to a season-opening win over Chico State at Stermole Stadium.

In a battle of two 2018 NCAA Tournament teams, the Orediggers struck quickly on freshman Emi Higgins' second-minute goal, then received a superb free kick effort from Nicole LaTourette in the middle of the first half to take control of the game.

Higgins wasted no time in making an early run to the end line that ended up in an unlikely goal. The freshman had a go from an impossible angle and the ball was misplayed by the goalkeeper, allowing it to squirt in for a goal only 1:23 into the young season.

A foul at midfield set up a dangerous opportunity from 25 yards out for LaTourette, and the senior delivered a beautifully placed free kick in the 26th minute that glanced off the 'keeper and in at the right post to make it a 2-0 game. 

A tough break for Mines provided Chico State their goal as an errant backpass by the defense resulted in an own goal at 52:28. The Wildcats threatened again when Camille Lidster hit the left post in the 63rd minute, but that would turn out to be their only shot of the half as Mines stepped on the gas, taking 13 second-half shots including a hit crossbar by LaTourette.

NOTABLES
- After edging Chico State 7-6 on shots in the first half, Mines held a 13-1 second-half advantage to lead 20-7 for the game.
- Coming 1:23 into the game, Higgins' goal was both the fastest to start a season in Mines history, and the quickest goal by an Oredigger freshman to start their career.
- LaTourette's goal was the 18th of her career. The senior entered the season as Mines' active goals leader and moved into a tie for sixth all-time with her strike Friday. She also surpassed Jackie Knott for eighth on the career points list at 42.
- Mines held a 54% possession advantage.
- Corners were an even 3-3. 
- Shannon Mooney became the fifth player in program history to reach 100 career saves as she made four stops in the game.
- Victoria Graham (0-1) made seven saves for the Wildcats.
- Mines improved to 1-0-1 against Chico State, 7-5-3 all-time in season openers, and 6-0-3 against California opponents.
- The Orediggers had five first-time starters in the lineup including three freshmen. Veterans Hannah Rowan and Zoe Sano each earned their first career starting nods while freshmen Jordan Barnhart, Brooke Patterson, and Higgins slotted into the XI in their first Mines appearances. Karolina Sidebaeck made her collegiate debut off the bench.

NEXT UP
Mines hosts San Francisco State Sunday at noon. SFSU drew 1-1 with Regis on Sunday in a weather-shortened game.