LAKELAND — For the second straight year, Polk State Soccer has opened its season with a mercy-rule victory. The Eagles needed just 80 minutes to take down Central Georgia Technical College on Saturday, 8-0.

The season was just 13 seconds old when Robyn Pickard took the feed from Riley Whlae and found the net to put Polk State ahead for good. Throughout the day, goals came early and often for the Eagles (1-0).

Polk State held a 4-0 advantage at halftime. It added four more goals in 35 second-half minutes.

"We had a couple scrimmages canceled, so we were very hungry to come out and play," Head Coach Dee Shivraman said. "It was a great overall team effort today."

In addition to the goal, Pickard added two assists. All eight goals, however, were scored by freshmen. Isabella O'Sullivan, Jaycie Noble and Abi Shannon each found the net twice. Sophia Henriques also scored in the win.

Along with an outstanding defensive effort, sophomore Kaylin Allen led Polk State with three assists. 

"Kaylin is our warrior," Shivraman added. "She put on a great display for how an attacking midfielder should perform."

Freshman Gabby Louty added two assists. In goal, Alex Van Lare and Sophia Zapata combined for the shutout.

The opening victory came one year to the date of an 8-0 win over Millennia Atlantic University to open the 2025 season. Polk State and Central Georgia Tech will again on Sunday for another 10 a.m. showdown.