GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of Mary women's soccer head coach
Sarah Cook is either an outstanding teacher or the Marauders are a quick study. After just one day of fall training, the Marauders earned a 1-0 win at NCAA Division I University of North Dakota in exhibition play.
"Two days into preseason, I couldn't have asked for a better result and effort out of the girls," said McNulty. "A big thanks to U-Mary Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
Michael Silbernagel for preparing these girls mentality and physically this summer from a strength and conditioning side for this season.
"North Dakota is a great side and we were lucky to get one in on them today, but I thought the defensive organization on our part was the key to our success. This was a fun start but we have a long season to go."
Megan Searson scored the lone goal of the game off a scramble in front of the UND net. On the attack early in the second half, senior defender
Emily Christensen's shot was initially stopped by UND goalkeeper Olivia Swenson. With the ball rolling free, the Marauders junior midfielder then pounced and pounded the ball into the net at the 59:55 mark.
The Marauders defense then took control. Following the goal UND was unable to put a shot on frame until five minutes remained in the match. Facing significant pressure, Marauders keeper Kelsey Ekstad continued to keep North Dakota at bay with three saves, including two stops in the 89
th minute of play. Additionally a header attempt by UND off a corner went wide of the Marauders net with time running down.
Ekstad played the entire second half and posted five saves.
Bailey Wenz recorded four first-half saves as the duo combined for the shutout.
Christensen led the Marauders with seven shot attempts, including four on frame.
Michelle McGeary added two shots with one on goal.
North Dakota held a 25-15 edge in shots but placed just nine on net to eight for U-Mary. The Marauders held a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks and didn't commit a foul. UND was whistled for nine infractions.
The Marauders open the regular season at home on Sept. 5 against MSU-Billings. Game time is 1 p.m. at the MDU Resources Community Bowl.
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