Lauren Franzen

WILDER, Ky. - Lauren Franzen netted three goals Friday as the Northern Kentucky University women’s soccer team began Great Lakes Valley Conference play with a 7-0 win against Kentucky Wesleyan at the Town & Country Sports Complex.

Franzen, a freshman and a graduate of Campbell County High School, scored all three goals in the second half as NKU upped its overall record to 2-1. The Norse, ranked 24th nationally in this week’s Division II poll, tallied six goals in the second half and coasted to the win.

Jayme Light gave NKU a 1-0 lead 17 minutes into the match by drilling a 15-yard shot past goalie Christina Machuca into the back of the net. Ashley Warndorf - who earned the GLVC Player of the Week on Tuesday - assisted Light’s goal with a perfect pass.

The Norse owned a 14-0 advantage in shot attempts in the first half but held just a 1-0 lead at the break. NKU also had eight of its 15 corner kicks in the first half.

Amy Law extended NKU’s lead to 2-0 at the 58:07 mark with a shot from 18 yards. Kristen Votapek made it 3-0 by finishing off a goal that was assisted by Law and Franzen. Three of the next four goals were scored by Franzen, who notched her final score off an assist from Amy Martini.

Traci Elliott also scored a second-half goal as NKU remained perfect (9-0) in the all-time series against Kentucky Wesleyan. The Panthers dropped to 0-2 overall, 0-1 in the GLVC. NKU finished with a 30-2 advantage in shots.

NKU will play host to Southern Indiana at noon on Sunday. The Norse lead the all-time series with Southern Indiana by a 7-3 margin and own five straight wins over the Screaming Eagles, including a 7-0 shutout last season at Wilder, Ky.

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