Women’s soccer: Morgan Weaver powers Washington State past Seattle in season opener

Morgan Weaver started the season with a bang.

The Washington State junior forward accounted for two goals and an assist Friday while leading the 21st-ranked Cougars to a 3-1 nonconference home win over Seattle University to open the women’s soccer season in front of 1,890 fans.

The Cougars trailed 1-0 when Weaver headed in senior Maddy Haro’s entery pass in the 36th minute.

Thirteen minutes later, Weaver sent a crossing pass to sophomore Elyse Bennett for a goal and 2-1 lead. It was Bennett’s third career goal and second winning goal.

Weaver added an insurance goal in the 59th minute, assisted by sophomore Sarah Davidson. Weaver had her third career multigoal game and has 17 career goals.

Senior Ella Dederick earned the win by making three saves.

WSU outshot the Redhawks 17-6, including 9-2 in the second half.

In other nonconference season openers:

Gonzaga 2, Grand Canyon 1 (2OT): India Jencks headed in a goal in the 102nd minute to give the Bulldogs a win over the visiting Antelopes.

GU trailed 1-0 when Jodi Ulkekul scored from the far left wing early in the 82nd minute.

Abby Burton set an Antelopes Division I record with 15 saves.

Eastern Washington 1, Cal State Bakersfield 0: Emma Vanderhyden scored off a corner kick in the 95th minute to lift the Eagles over the visiting Roadrunners.

Vanderhyden, a sophomore, recorded her second career winning goal while handing coach Chad Bodnar his 50th victory with the school.

EWU outshot the Roadrunners 26-3, including 4-0 in overtime. The Eagles’ Kelsee Winston posted the shutout.

Nine Eagles made their collegiate debuts.

The Eagles have won four consecutive openers.

Nevada 1, Idaho 0: Freshman Payton Lieb scored on a penalty kick after 86 scoreless minutes and the Wolf Pack defeated the Vandals in Reno, Nevada, for their first season-opening win since 2012, spoiling coach Jeremy Clevenger’s debut.

Lieb was dragged down by Vandals senior defender Kelly Dopke in the box to set up the winning shot.

Nevada, which lost at Idaho last season, holds a 6-5 advantage in the series.

Nevada outshot Idaho 14-7.