In an exciting first game full of drama, the Pioneers managed to hold on to the lead and win their first contest of the year.
Kara Collins opened up the scoring in the 9th minute with the assist from
Misty Olsen. College of Saint Mary answered back 10 minutes later by a goal from Abby Zach. However the Pioneers were not about to be turned back.
Kara Collins scored her second off a glancing shot from a corner taken by newcomer freshmen
Emmie Farrar.
Ashton Bergh rounded out the scoring in the 48th minute off a beautiful outside shot finding the side netting of the backpost. St. Mary scored again in the 57th minute to close the gap, but the Pioneers held off the Flames until the final seconds. With just seconds remaining, the St. Mary keeper punted a ball which bounced through everyone and led to a breakaway. With 2 seconds left, St. Mary fired a shot which MNU keeper
Breanna Oddo saved to keep the game from going into overtime.
“Considering this is our first game of the season, we could tell the nerves were high," said MNU Head coach
Skelly Kellar, who picked up his first MNU victory on Saturday. "We came out with a great tempo and controlled the early parts of the game. However, they made some adjustments and created some problems that we had trouble solving. We need to grow as a team and be more physical. We made some silly mistakes that allowed them to stay in the game. However, I am very happy with the result and am proud of the girls for continuing to battle and find a way to win.”
The Pioneers are 1-0. The next game is Wednesday the 29th vs. Tabor (0-0) at 3:00.
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