NAMPA, Idaho - Northwest Nazarene women's soccer was victorious in their home opener on Thursday, defeating Saint Martin's 3-1.

With the win, the Nighthawks improve to 3-0 to start the season. The match was the first of the year for the Saints as they fall to 0-1.

All of the scoring came in a span of 13 minutes in the opening half, with three of the four goals coming in just a three-minute stretch. Ashley Parton was the first on the board with a goal in the 25th minute off a feed from Alison Wolf. Saint Martin's responded almost immediately, taking the ball straight down and evening the score at one just 11 seconds later. 

NNU wasted no time in retaking the lead, though, as Rikki Myers found Sierra Sanchez for a goal in the 28th minute. Sanchez was not done, tallying her second goal of the game and third of the season 10 minutes later to put the Nighthawks up 3-1, with Parton contributing the assist for the final goal.

NNU then only allowed one shot in the entire second-half, cruising to the two-goal victory. In the match, the Nighthawks outshot the Saints 25-7, including 12-2 on frame. NNU also earned five corners to just two for SMU.

Sanchez scored on half of her four shots on the night, with three of the attempts going on frame. McKenzie Buell had four shots on goal, but couldn't get one past Saints' keeper Ali Campigotto, who tallied nine saves.

The Nighthawks and Saints will battle again on Saturday afternoon, with the start time set for 1:00 p.m. The match will serve as Senior Day for NNU, honoring their lone senior this year, Rikki Myers.