NATCHITOCHES – Freshmen have played a large role in Northwestern State's season so far, but new freshmen faces contributed largely Tuesday to a 10-0 rout of Alcorn State at the Lady Demons Soccer Complex.

Entering the game, freshmen forwards Kayleigh Phillips and Brittany Caserma led the Lady Demons (3-3-1) in scoring, but six other freshmen contributed nine of NSU's 10 goals Tuesday to lead the way.

Three different Lady Demons scored two goals each  -- Jacqueline Manza, Jasmine Juarez and Karoline Guidry. Redshirt freshmen Cayla Klinger contributed assists on both of Manza's goals in the win. All four players produced the first points of their collegiate careers.

Juarez totaled a match-high five points on two goals and an assist.

"It was really exciting to step on the field and get to play lots of minutes tonight," Juarez said. "It was a lot of fun just to let loose and play. It's a night to remember."

Sophomore Esdeina Gonzalez started the scoring when she beat keeper Tristan Smith to a loose ball and booted into an empty net in the 19^th minute.

It was all freshmen from there as Manza and Juarez either scored or assisted on the next five NSU goals to grab a 6-0 halftime lead.

Manza scored on a soft header from Klinger before April Ficarrotta scored from 20 yards on Juarez assist.

After Juarez scored an unassisted goal from distance, Manza finished a Klinger touch in the lower right hand corner of the box for a 5-0 lead. Juarez banked a shot off the post to get NSU's final goal of the half.

"Obviously it's a great feeling to come out on the field and make a difference," Manza said. "You dream about getting on the field, and scoring is a completely different dream.

"I think every single freshman worked really hard, and it just makes me really excited for our future. This is just the beginning for us."

Guidry had her fun in the second half. After being tackled in the box, Guidry calmly booted a penalty kick for her first collegiate goal.

"I hit my head (on the foul), and I thought maybe I wouldn't be able to see the goal," Guidry said. "But I psyched (the keeper) out, looking in the right corner and going to the left.

"It's incredible and unimaginable. I came from a small school (Opelousas Catholic), and this feels so much different to make a difference here with these great girls."

In between Guidry's goals, Mattilyn Reeder and Olivia Marazzo also found the net. Reeder stole the keeper's pass and struck the ball into the left corner, while Marazzo scored on a free kick from distance.

Freshmen scored nine goals and contributed all three assists Tuesday. For the season, freshmen have scored 16 of NSU's 20 goals and accounted for four of NSU's 10 assists.

"Freshmen are usually nervous to play, but I'm so happy for them and they've been working hard.  "It was great to see them all get a chance to contribute tonight.

"Hopefully this builds confidence for the team, and we can build on this. We know these kinds of scores and nights are rare, but we hope to get more chances like this."

NSU stopped a two-game skid with the win and will host Texas State on Friday at 7 p.m.