The St. Aloysius girls’ soccer team returned to the pitch Monday and picked up right where it left off.

Brooklyn Breithaupt and Madelyn Polk each scored four goals, and the Lady Flashes began the defense of their MAIS Division III championship by routing Manchester Academy 10-0 in their 2016 season opener.

“So far, so good. I know I’ve got the talent. It’s just how they’re going to work together, because I’ve only had half the team (during summer) and it’s hard to see how they’re going to work together,” St. Al coach Scott Mathis said. “They’re really coming together. I still don’t have a starting 11 yet.”

St. Al won its 15th consecutive game dating back to the start of last season, but it’ll be a lot tougher to get No. 16. St. Al will play at Hartfield Academy on Thursday in a rematch of last year’s Division III championship game.

It could also be a preview of the 2016 championship game. Hartfield returns every key player from last year, while St. Al has enough back to be a contender again yet enough newcomers to have a different personality.

“This is a different team. The young players don’t think so much. They just do. And that’s what I like about them,” Mathis said.

One of the biggest changes for St. Al is Breithaupt moving from a striker position on the outside to a center midfielder directing the offense. The adjustment didn’t seem to cause her any problems.

Breithaupt had three of her four goals by halftime, and added another in the second half that made it 7-0.

“It’s definitely a lot more running. I’ve got to take over Sara Katherine (McDaniel’s) spot and basically lead, and do what leaders do,” Breithaupt said, referring to last season’s Vicksburg Post Player of the Year, who graduated in May.

Polk scored twice in the first half and added two more in the second half. Mary Ranager and Molly Jo Derivaux scored the other two goals for the Lady Flashes. It was an easy win, but a welcome way to start the season and tune up for Thursday’s slugfest with Hartfield.

“It was a good game for the first game, and I hope it goes this way for the rest of the season,” Breithaupt said. “I think Hartfield is going to give us some trouble, and if we can get past them we’re going to come out on top. It’s definitely going to wake us up. It’s definitely different out here. We’re all playing different positions right now, and we’re just getting a feel for it. It’s definitely going to be a reality check for us.”