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WINONA, Minn. — Saint Benedict used its quick-striking ability — scoring less than a minute into the first half, then adding three goals in a five-minute span in the second half — to pull away from the Saint Mary's University women's soccer team Saturday, topping the Cardinals 5-0 in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game at Ochrymowycz Field.

The Blazers controlled play throughout the first half — enjoying an 11-2 advantage in shots — but the Cardinals remained within striking distance, thanks to a strong showing by goalkeeper Miranda Halling (Rochester, Minn.).

The Cardinals had a golden opportunity to cut the gap to one early in the second half, but a shot by Caroline Blackwood (Norwalk, Ohio) clanged hard off the crossbar.

The Blazers soon countered with three goals in a five-minute span to put the game away, with Colleen Bouchard doing most of the damage. Bouchard notched a first-half assist and then scored two goals just 103 seconds apart during CSB's pivotal three-goal stretch.

Halling finished with eight saves in goal for the Cardinals, SMU finished with five shots, including two by Kelli Harstad (Hampton, Minn.).

The Cardinals (0-9-0 MIAC, 0-15-0) step out of conference play on Monday, hosting UW-River Falls in a 6 p.m. game at Ochrymowycz Field, before celebrating Senior Night against Macalester on Wednesday.