WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue exploded for eight goals, including five in the opening 45 minutes, to cruise past Eastern Illinois, 8–0, Sunday afternoon at Folk Field. The Boilers tied their program-record for goals in a single match, while Jaiden Anderson recorded her third-consecutive brace.
The Boilermakers dominated from the opening whistle, outshooting the Panthers 40–4 and holding a 25–1 advantage in shots during the first half.
Megan Santa Cruz opened the scoring in the seventh minute, on an unassisted goal, her fourth goal of the season. Just over two minutes later, Jaiden Anderson doubled the advantage before Angelina Thoreson converted a penalty kick in the 12th minute to give the Boilermakers a 3–0 lead.
Anderson struck again in the 38th minute, this time finding the back of the net off assists from Thoreson and Santa Cruz. Charlotte McMurtrie capped the first-half scoring in the 45th minute, with her first-career collegiate goal, heading into the break with Purdue ahead 5–0.
The Boilermakers continued their offensive pressure immediately after halftime. Santa Cruz scored her second goal of the afternoon in the 49th minute, with Zoe Miles and Thoreson providing the assists to extend the lead to 6–0.
Purdue added two more goals in the final 20 minutes. Montgomery Draham scored her first goal of the season and first-career goal in the 73rd minute, assisted by McKenzie Carle, before Kayla Budish capped the scoring in the final minute with assists from Kate Noel and Elizabeth Burfeind.
Anderson and Santa Cruz each finished with two goals, while Thoreson contributed a goal and two assists. Draham, Budish, McMurtrie, and Thoreson all scored their first goals of the season.
Purdue will take on Ball State for senior day on Aug. 27th to close out its five-game homestand.
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