By: Vinnie Birk - Blackburn College Sports Information

Battling the heat two consecutive days, the Blackburn College Men's Soccer team earned their first win of the year. In the 2013 home opener, the Beavers defeated Central Christian College of the Bible on Monday afternoon by a score of 9-2.

A trio of freshman got Blackburn off to an early 3-0 lead. Brendan Krekeler(Imperial, Mo.), Nate Kinnison(Perryville, Mo.), and Ryan Kirby(Hillsboro, Ill.) all put in their first collegiate goal. Kinnison and Kirby would each add another tally and assist.

Sophomore Mikey Stephenson(Raymond, Ill.) was the go-to guy on offense for the Beavers. He had a hat trick and an assist in the goal party. Stephenson's three goals are now a team-high.

Julian Valencia(Highland, Ill.) knocked in one of his two penalty kick attempts while Shane Rogers(Granite City, Ill.) got his first win of the year in net for the Beavers.

Blackburn was in total control throughout the game. Eleven different players collected a shot totaling 31 for the team.

The Beavers are now 1-2 on the young season and will host Benedictine University-Springfield on Wednesday evening in the back end of a doubleheader. The women's team kicks it off at 4:00 PM and the men will follow shortly after.