Everton Women started their WSL campaign with a 4-1 win at Anfield in the Merseyside derby.
Indeed, 20-year-old summer signing Ornella Vignola wasted no time in announcing herself to Evertonians.
The Uruguayan-born forward made her debut for the Blues, scoring a stunning hatrick to take home the match ball.
It was the first time an Everton player has scored three Merseyside derby goals since Dixie Dean in 1931.
Quite a depressing stat, truth be told. However, it does bode well for the future of the Women’s team.
Indeed, fellow goalscorer Katja Snoeijs insists there are ‘more goals to come’ from her new teammate Vignola.
Vignola herself also revealed her excitement at Everton’s prospects at Goodison Park this season.
Speaking via BBC Sport, she said: “I’m really happy to have started the season that way, especially here against Liverpool.
“It was really exciting, and it made it even better that it was a derby hat-trick. I’m excited for the season ahead.”
EXCELLENT START TO NEW WSL SEASON FOR EVERTON WOMEN
Vignola was one of nine summer signings for Everton Women, as the Friedkins look to invest in both the men’s and women’s teams.
Everton had gone a goal down at Anfield in the twelfth minute, before Vignola pulled one back twelve minutes later.
Dutch forward Snoeijs put the Blues in front with a superb header on the stroke of half-time.
Vignola then put the game to bed with two goals in two second half minutes to complete her debut hatrick.
Manager Brian Sorensen admitted even he was surprised by Vignola’s electric display.
When asked if he expected such an instant impact from the 20-year-old, Sorensen said: “No! Not three goals from her.
“I expected her to score which is why I started her. She was superb and she has been like that in training.”
He continued: “I said to her afterwards she has set the benchmark for what I want to see. She is still a young player though, so let’s see. Today was a good debut.”
