Duluth, Minn. – The Saint Scholastica Women's soccer team hosted the Cardinals of Saint Mary's University, today, Saturday, Oct. 24 in a MIAC Conference doubleheader. Today's contest ended with the Cardinals taking home a 2-1 victory over the Saints in a well-fought effort.

First Half
The Saints came out composed and confident, weathering early pressure from Saint Mary's before finding their rhythm in the attack. Goalkeeper Rylee Senich (Cloquet, MN/Cloquet HS) was immediately sharp, stopping multiple early shots to keep the game level, including a diving save on a close-range attempt from the Cardinals' leading scorer.

After Saint Mary's opened the scoring in the 25th minute, the Saints responded less than a minute later with a brilliant equalizer. Anna Manion (Superior, WI/Superior HS) delivered the goal, finishing a smooth combination play that began with Julia Lewis (Maple Grove, MN/Maple Grove HS) and Emily Carroll (Chisagio Lakes, MN/Chisagio Lakes HS), who set up Manion perfectly in front of goal. The quick response energized the Saints and their home crowd, as they continued to create chances through Tenley Voth (Farmington, MN/Farmington HS) and Kaitlyn Sautter (Princeton, MN./Princeton HS) late in the half.

Senich was outstanding between the posts, racking up seven first-half saves to keep the Saints even at 1–1 heading into the break.

Second Half
The second half saw the Saints continue their disciplined defensive effort and counterattack opportunities. Lewis nearly put the Saints ahead early in the half, forcing a diving save from the Saint Mary's keeper after a clever move on the edge of the box.

Peyton Mathiasen (St. Cloud, MN/St. Cloud Cathedral HS) and Brooke Hedin (Rochester, MN/Century HS) helped control the midfield tempo, while Kenna Lammi (Esko, MN/Esko HS) and Ashley Herold (Lakeville, MN/Rosemount HS) anchored a strong back line that repeatedly turned away Cardinal attacks.

Despite a go-ahead goal from Saint Mary's in the 78th minute, the Saints kept pushing until the final whistle. Late efforts from Sautter, Mathiasen, and Lewis nearly found an equalizer, including a dangerous shot from Mathiasen that missed just wide in the 84th minute.

What's Next
The Saints (4-11-3, 2-6-2 MIAC) will once again play at home, this time, in a non conference match against the Bluedevils (7-8-3) of the University of Wisconsin-Stout. This game is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 3:30 P.M.