By Gerry Steele

gsteele@bakercityherald.com

Led by Josie Ash’s three-goal hat trick, the Baker girls soccer team erupted for eight goals Monday on the way to an 8-3 nonleague win over Fruitland at the Baker Sports Complex.

Baker scored five goals in the first half, taking a 5-1 halftime advantage.

Calli Ward got the ball rolling with Baker’s first goal of the season.

Ash then scored her first goal off a pass from Mary Rushton.

With Baker leading 2-1, freshman Shayna Ruby scored back-to-back goals to boost Baker’s lead to 4-1.

Ash closed the first-half scoring when she made a run at the Fruitland keeper and deftly tapped a shot into the corner of the net.

Ash opened the second half with her third goal of the day.

Kaitlyn Nelson then scored on what appeared to be a crossing pass through the penalty box. But the ball clipped the corner of the net support and dropped in for the goal.

Fruitland got two harmless scores back before Baker’s Addie Flanagan completed the scoring.

Baker also won the junior varsity match 2-1. Isabella Nemec and Kiylee Polkowske scored Baker’s goals.