Freshmen helped the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs end its seven-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Colorado Christian Cougars Sunday afternoon at Mountain Lion Stadium.

It was another day of firsts for the Mountain Lions. Both Josi Heer and Julia Saenz got their first career goal and assist. Fellow freshmen Jessika Williams and Kristin Preble earned their first goal and first assist respectively. It was also UCCS' first conference win this season for the new program.

"We definitely stepped it up as a team," said Heer.

The Mountain Lions (3-7-1, 1-5-0 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) dominated the first half, scoring all four goals in a 20 minute, 47 second span with the final one coming just before halftime.

Williams scored the first goal for UCCS off a pass through the middle by Preble with 23:14 remaining in the first half.

"Jessika plays better when she's (angry)," said UCCS coach Nichole Rick. "So she got mad, did a turnaround shot and got her goal."

Redshirt freshman Heer got the Mountain Lions' second goal with a pass from Saenz to put the UCCS up 2-0 with 7:43 remaining in the half.

"It was actually kind of shocking; it was the first time I got a decent amount of playing time," said Heer. "I've been working at practice my hardest, taking time by myself and working, and I guess it really showed.

"I'm really happy that something finally came out of that."

Less than two minutes later, UCCS defender Ashley Collins got fouled in the box to get the program's first penalty kick. Collins converted the kick to get the third goal.

With 2:27 remaining in the first half, Heer and Saenz were at it again. Heer sent a perfect crossing pass to Saenz who put the ball in the back of the net to make it 4-0.

"Julia came in, called off somebody and took the shot," said Rick. "So that worked out really well.

"She finally took the initiative to talk on the field and call somebody off when they didn't have that angle that she did."

With less than five minutes remaining, the Cougars (3-8, 1-5 RMAC) scored their only goal with a header by Samantha Dean off a free kick from Kimi Wright.

Mountain Lions goalie Amy Kern (3-7-1) earned the win with seven saves. Alison Cox (3-8) took the loss with five saves.

"We have the talent, we have the skill and this is the first time since they've lost that they've come together as a team again," said Rick. "So as long as we can play as a team, we'll win as a team."