GUNNISON, Colo. --- A little early confidence went a long way for the Western Colorado women's soccer team as the Mountaineers defeated Colorado Christian 3-1 on Thursday afternoon at Katy O. Rady Field.

The Mountaineers (1-5 overall, 1-1 RMAC) scored needed less than two minutes to take the lead on Colorado Christian (2-4, 0-2) as a Jessie Jacobsen breakaway thanks to a huge drop kick from keeper Kaeyla Noble led to the junior depositing the ball into the top-left corner to give Western Colorado a quick 1-0 lead. Jacobsen with the goal becomes the first Western Colorado player to score at Katy O. Rady Field.

In the 18th minute, Jacobsen struck again as a beautiful ball sent in by freshman Mary Wilson after it was touched back to her from Casey Elnicki found Jacobsen right in front of the goal where she headed it in to make it 2-0. It was Wilson's first career assist and point.

The Cougars cut the Mountaineer lead to one early in the second half on a Kiana Fen goal, but Western held CCU off and go the fortune of Cougar own goal in the 76th minute to make the final 3-1.

CCU outshot the Mountaineers 17-11, but only by one on shots on goal (6-5). Parker Barnhardt led the team with three shots with two on goal, Jacobsen had two shots (both on goal), Wilson had two shots as well (one on goal) and Laura Pelino had two shots.

Kaeyla Noble at keeper for Western allowed just the one goal and picked up five saves in the win.

The victory is also the first career head coaching win for Mountaineer coach Amanda Raso.

The Mountaineers return to action 1 p.m. Saturday as they host nationally ranked Colorado School of Mines at Katy O. Rady Field.