ASU begins Red Wolves era

Arkansas State could not have asked for a better start to the Red Wolves era.

The ASU soccer team opened their season Saturday with a 5-2 victory over in-state rival Central Arkansas. It was the university's first regular season athletic contest since the Red Wolves mascot was officially adopted. The Red Wolves (1-0) trailed 2-0 at the half, but stormed out of the gate in the second half with three goals in the first nine minutes to take a 3-2 lead.

UCA held ASU in check until the 81-minute mark when freshman midfielder Kailey Gear scored to give the Red Wolves some breathing room. The goal was Gear's third of the game in what was her collegiate debut. The 2003 season was the last time any individual ASU player scored three goals in one contest. The Red Wolves return to action this Friday at 5 p.m. when they take on Arkansas-Pine Bluff at ASU Soccer Park.