CARSON, Calif. — The San Francisco State women's soccer team used a first-half offensive explosion en route to a 3-1 victory over Cal State Dominguez Hills on Friday night at the StubHub Center.

The Gators (9-3-1/4-2-1 CCAA) put the game out of reach in the first half with a trio of goals from Vanessa Penuna, Monique Ponce, and Bianca Lowe.

Penuna buried a penalty kick in the 16th minute for the early Gators lead and her third goal of the season. SF State wasted no time extending the lead with a goal in the 18th minute by Monique Ponce, who ran into the box finished to the right of the box. It was the first career goal for Ponce, who was assisted by fellow freshman Tami Kwong. In the 29th minute, Penuna served a ball into the box to Bianca Lowe, who beat Toros goalkeeper Elisa Martin.

"It was tough to stop our attack and I was happy to see us put away a few great chances early," said San Francisco State Head Coach Tracy Hamm. "We have a lot of threats and everyone contributed. It was a fantastic team effort."

Senior Christina Holguin tended net for SF State in the first half and made a pair of saves. Freshman Nicki Rucki made two saves in the second half and allowed one goal, in the 48th minute, when Moa Eriksson passed the ball over to Clarissa Chavez, who finished to the right side.

The Gators outshot the Toros (3-8-1/2-5-1 CCAA) 19-10 and had nine shots on goal to CSUDH's five. SF State also held a 7-3 corner kick advantage.

The Gators can pick up more ground in the standings on Sunday, Oct. 15 when they head to Cal State LA. The Golden Eagles are currently a point ahead of SF State with 14 points. Kickoff is slated for 11:30 a.m. Then, the Gators return home on Friday, Oct. 20 at noon. The first 250 students at that day's doubleheader will receive a free SF State soccer scarf.