Box Score

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The St. Scholastica women's soccer team earned its first league win in a crucial 1-0 victory over Bethel University in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference matchup at Ona Orth Athletic Complex.

The Saints' lone and decisive goal came from sophomore forward Julia Lewis (Maple Grove, MN/Maple Grove HS), who found the back of the net in the 84th minute with a precise low shot to the right corner, breaking a scoreless deadlock in a tightly contested second half.

Freshman goalkeeper Rylee Senich (Cloquet, MN/Cloquet HS) was outstanding between the posts, making several key saves, including a critical stop on Bethel's Eleanor Rundell late in the game, to preserve the clean sheet and secure the win for St. Scholastica.

The Saints maintained sustained pressure throughout the match, with significant contributions from sophomore midfielder Lily Rippie (Inver Grove Heights, MN/Rosemount HS) and senior forward Kaitlyn Sautter (Princeton, MN./Princeton HS), who helped control the midfield and create scoring opportunities.

The second half saw an intense physical battle, with both teams showing strong defensive efforts. St. Scholastica's defensive unit, led by senior defender Michelle McGrath (Stillwater, Minn./Hill-Murray HS), remained composed under pressure and limited Bethel's chances, including multiple attempts by Malia Beilby and Sarah Motalebi.

Several tactical substitutions throughout the second half kept the Saints fresh and focused, enabling them to maintain their edge late in the game.

With this victory, St. Scholastica improves to 3-6-2 overall and 1-2-1 in MIAC play. The Saints will return home to Duluth on Saturday, Oct. 4, to face Hamline University in a MIAC matchup at 3:30 p.m. on Harkins Field.