HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. - Lightning caused a long delay and shortened the Eastern Illinois women's soccer season opener but not before host Northern Kentucky was able to get on the board for a 4-0 win on Friday night.

NKU scored three goals in the first half as they fired ten shots on goal during the game.  Kelsey Laumann scored just 3:13 into the season to put NKU up 1-0.  The Norse followed with a goal by Macy Hamblin in the 12th minute.  

EIU had only four shots for the game with three on goal as lightning in the area caused a delay at the 71:46 mark.  With severe weather scheduled to remain in the area, both schools agreed to finalize the game.

NKU's third goal came just before halftime with Sami Rutowski finding the back of the net at the 40 minute mark.  The final goal came just seconds before the lightning delay as Jessica Frey scored.

Lauren Hoppensteadt had two of the Panthers shots on goal with Lauren Rusk adding the other.  NKU keeper Tanner Ruberg made all three saves.  EIU keeper Emily Hinton finished with six saves.

EIU returns to action on Sunday afternoon with a 1 p.m. home match against Indiana State at Lakeside Field.