BISMARCK, ND – Off to their best start in over six years, the University of Mary women's soccer team looks to build on their momentum this weekend with the start of a three-game home stand. The Marauders host Southwest Minnesota State University on Saturday and the University of Sioux Falls on Sunday, Sept. 30-Oct. 1, as UMary honors its seniors and player's families.
 
Saturday is a busy day at the MDU Resources Bowl with tailgating at 10 am in the North parking lot. The Marauders will honor seniors Kendra Cook, Elizabeth Patterson and Hannah Smith in a pregame ceremony at 10:45 am. Kickoff against the Mustangs follows at 11 am.
 
Family Day follows on Sunday, Oct. 1, when the Marauders host the Cougars. Game time is 1 pm at the MDU Resources Community Bowl.
 
With four wins and a tie through seven games, the Marauders are off to their best start since 2011. UMary started that year with a record of 5-2 on the way to an 11-win season.
 
One big factor in the strong start is improved play when out of town. The Marauders are a combined 3-1-1 in away games (1-1-1) and neutral site contests (2-0-0). The last time the Marauders had three wins outside of Bismarck was 2014. The past two seasons combined UMary had three ties and one win.
 
Much of the improved record can be attributed to impressive goal prevention. The Marauders have yet to allow more than one goal in a game. Behind a defensive corp featuring Smith in the net and defenders Patterson, Tiffany Ohlhauser, Caitlin Dooley, Josephine Dahlberg, Lisa Swardh and Cassidy Pierce - among others - the Marauders defense has allowed just five goals in the first seven games.
 
The Marauders are tied for third-fewest goals given up in the Northern Sun. UMary ranks fifth in goals per game at 0.67. Last year the Marauders were last in the NSIC in goals allowed at 2.43/game.
 
Additionally the Marauders scoring is also up slightly with Caylin Cathey leading the attack.
 
The junior forward already has doubled her goal output from last year, posting a team-leading four counters. The native of Billings, MT, also has an assist. She leads the NSIC in game-winning goals (3) and is second in goals scored (4), goals per game (.57) and points per game (1.29). Her three game-winners ranks her 8^th nationally.
 
Newcomer Megan Lowery, a junior forward from Hayden, ID, is second on the team with two goals. Junior attacker Jade Smith has pitched in a goal and a pair of assists.
 
UMary has played at home just twice this season. This three-game home stand is the longest of the year for the Marauders and concludes against St. Cloud State University on Friday, Oct. 6.
 
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