The LSU soccer team eased its way into the second round of the NCAA tournament on Friday night, blowing past Arkansas Pine Bluff, 7-0.
The Tigers (15-4-4) put the lead out of reach in the game’s early going, as senior midfielder Malorie Rutledge scored two goals in the game’s first 10 minutes to end all chances of an upset. Arkansas-Pine Bluff (12-7-4) played as defensively as possible but could not keep the score close.
Rutledge scored again after halftime to complete her second career hat-trick.
Sophomore forward Kellie Murphy scored twice after halftime. Junior defender Courtney Alexander and senior forward Rachel Yepez each added goals to complete the lopsided scoreline.
LSU will face Texas A&M in the second round on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the LSU Soccer Complex. The Aggies defeated Memphis, 3-1, earlier on Friday to advance.
 
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