SAINT LOUIS — Seeking its eighth consecutive conference title, No. 2 seed Saint Louis got off to a strong start with a 6-0 victory over No. 7 Loyola Chicago on Saturday afternoon in the Atlantic 10 Championship quarterfinals at the Hermann Stadium.
The Billikens (14-3-2) advanced to the semifinals with the victory, where they will host No. 4 Rhode Island on Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. CT.
Saint Louis opened the game in control, converting on its first shot attempt. Sophomore forward Hope Kim dribbled into opposing territory, finding sophomore midfielder Ashley Miller for the first goal of the day.
The Billikens continued the offensive pressure, earning a penalty kick just a few minutes later on a Rambler handball. Redshirt senior midfielder Julia Simon succeeded on the ensuing attempt, pushing Saint Louis ahead 2-0.
Saint Louis spread the ball effectively, receiving contributions from several goalscorers. Audrey Smith took advantage of a rebound chance, putting it away to send the Billikens to halftime with a 3-0 lead.
Freshman forward Adee Broesder kept the momentum going for the home team, scoring early in the second half.
Senior forward Rylee Howard gave Saint Louis a 5-0 advantage with a shot to the bottom right side of the goal in the 82nd minute. The Billikens added their final score just 34 seconds later, a snipe to the upper corner from sophomore forward Emily Fox.
Saint Louis goalkeeper Emma Parker picked up the clean sheet, tallying three saves. The Billikens outshot the Ramblers 21-6, including 10 shots on goal to Loyola Chicago’s three.