LAKELAND, Fla. – The Polk State Soccer team improved to 2-0 on the season with a dominant 7-1 win over the Pasco-Hernando State Bobcats in the Eagles' home opener Saturday afternoon. Led by a five-goal effort from Lovelie Pierre, Polk has now won four-straight home openers.
 
The Eagles wasted little time getting on the board, as sophomore Yerika Pereira lobbed a ball from Madison Caustic over the PHSC keeper's head in the 5^th minute to put Polk up 1-0.
 
Polk dominated possession versus Pasco throughout the first half, generating 17 shots and 10 corner kicks in the first half, while the Bobcats were held to no shots or corners throughout the first 45 minutes of action.
 
"The level of fitness on this team and their desire to compete drove us today," shared Polk Head Coach Dee Shivraman. "I haven't had a team like this in a long time."
 
Sophomore forward Lovelie Pierre began an electric day on the pitch in the 33^rd minute, heading in a cross from Pereira to double the Polk advantage to 2-0. Pierre quickly netter her second goal in the 37^th minute, slotting a through ball from Aleyshka Orellano near post.
 
The Eagles to the 3-0 advantage over the Bobcats into the half.
 
Pasco got one back in the 66^th minute when Riana McAdam placed a cross from Madison Oliver near post to trim the deficit to 3-1.
 
Pierre cemented the hat trick in the 69^th minute, beating the keeper one versus one off a beautiful over the top pass from Jessica Bailey. Pierre turned in her fourth goal of the match in the 73^rd minute on a fantastic solo effort.
 
Orellano notched her first goal in a Polk uniform in the 84^th minute to grow the Eagles' lead to 6-1.
 
Pierre capped off her five-goal performance just 16 seconds after Orellano's goal, picking the pocket of a Bobcat midfielder and dribbling past the keeper for the finish.
 
Pierre's five goal performance tied the single-game program record for goals scored, set by Raisa Lugo on October 10, 2021.
 
"I had to do my job today as a leader on this team today," commented Pierre. "I am not satisfied. I still have to work hard to be able to keep scoring goals for my team."
 
Freshman goalkeeper Ryannn Stephens earned her first collegiate save in the 67^th minute, while sophomore Ella Sebree earned the win for her start in goal.
 
Polk's next scheduled contest is next Saturday on the road versus Ave Maria University JV. Match time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.