EDWARDSVILLE, Pa. – The No. 4 Salisbury University field hockey team opened the 2011 season with a convincing 8-1 victory over Arcadia University on the opening day at the Colonel Classic, hosted by Wilkes University.

Senior Courtney Webster led the offensive onslaught, ripping 10 shots in the match, seven of which were on goal, and scoring twice. She was one of seven Sea Gulls to find the back of the cage.

Alison Bloodsworth got the game's scoring started just 67 seconds into the contest with a rip from the top of the circle for a 1-0 Sea Gull lead. The lead would remain slim for more than 20 minutes before Webster doubled the edge, scoring her first goal of the game in the 22nd minute, sending Salisbury to halftime with a 2-0 advantage.

The Salisbury offense dominated the first 35 minutes of play, outshooting Arcadia 19-0. The second half saw a similar split with the Gulls' holding a 17-2 edge on shots, and were able to score on six tries, beginning with senior Caitlin Walker's effort in the 46th minute.

Walker's goal began Salisbury on a spurt of four goals in an eight-minute span as senior Tara McGovern, junior Kristina Fusco, and junior Erica Henderson helped Salisbury to a 6-0 lead.

Webster added her second goal before Arcadia would score its lone tally and senior Danielle Lehman capped the scoring in the 67th minute.

Anna Cooke earned the win in goal, shutting out the Knights in nearly 61 minutes of play. Freshman Rachel Clewer played just over nine minutes in the cage for the Gulls.

Salisbury will look to claim the tournament title on Sunday, as they will take on Geneseo State, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Geneseo State advanced to the championship game with a 3-1 win against Wilkes.