ST. MARY'S CITY, Md. – The Salisbury University men's soccer team came out of the gates firing today, as the Sea Gulls downed Shenandoah University, 8-0, in the first day of the Seahawk Classic.

Salisbury took the momentum early and never looked back, giving the Gulls a 4-0 lead at halftime off of 13 shots. The Hornets had one attempt.

Scoring started early as goal number one was netted just 10 minutes in by junior midfielder Stephen Poorman off a free kick on the left side by senior midfielder Adam Quigley. Quickly after, in the 12th minute, sophomore midfielder Chris White tallied his first goal of the season. A corner kick by junior forward Matt Greene placed the ball in the direction of White, who finished it off, moving the score to 2-0 early in the first half.

The Gulls kept the pressure on as two more goals were scored later in the first half within 40 seconds of each other. In the 35th minute, sophomore forward Taylor Groginski made a perfect cross into the 18-yard box where he found sophomore midfielder Chris Kittelberger. With no hesitation, Salisbury charged right back after Kittelberger's goal to tack on number four. Senior forward Trevor Sharpe netted his first goal of the season off a cross by junior forward Benjamin Aryeetey, taking the Sea Gulls in to the half with a commanding 4-0 lead.

The second half showed no surprises as Salisbury tallied another four goals to put an end to the Hornets. Second-half goals were scored by freshman midfielder Billy Fowler, sophomore back Cy McNeill, Groginski, and Sharpe. Sharpe led the Gulls with two goals and one assist for the match.

Defense played another key role into the fourth consecutive shutout of the season for Salisbury. Sophomore goalkeeper Drew Staedeli collected his fourth victory of the season with support from the strong line in front of him that only gave up three shots for the game, none on goal.

The Gulls are back at it again tomorrow in the final day of the Seahawk Classic in St. Mary's City, Md. The men will match up against Bridgewater (Va.) College at 1 p.m.