BISMARCK, ND – It may have been Senior Day but it was the juniors that led the way.
Megan Lowery tallied twice and
Jade Smith once in the first 25 minutes and the University of Mary women's soccer team rolled over Southwest Minnesota State University 3-0. Both juniors also added a helper.
The Marauders honored seniors its three seniors – defenders
Kendra Cook and
Elizabeth Patterson and goalkeeper
Hannah Smith - prior to the game. The trio combined to lead a Marauders defensive effort that eliminated the Mustangs attack, allowing just five shots and three on frame to SMSU.
Hannah Smith registered three saves and combined with
Karleen Pappert to record a clean sheet for the third time this season.
"It's always nice to reward the work of your seniors with a win on Senior Day," said UMary head coach
Sarah Cook. "I'm proud of the team's early effort to put the game away and grab another shut out.
"A special thanks to all the parents, family members and fans who made it out to our match today; we thank you for your support! And congratulations to Hannah, Kendra and Libby, three caring, hardworking and determined student-athletes."
Lowery struck just 4:21 into the game. After
Caylin Cathey's initial shot was saved by Mustangs goalkeeper Jenna Meyer, Lowery cleaned up the rebound from inside the 6 yard box for a 1-0 lead.
Just ten minutes later the Marauders capitalized on their next scoring opportunity. Taking a ball from
Jade Smith, Lowery headed the ball into the upper right corner for her fourth counter of the season.
The two reversed roles for the Marauders third and final goal of the game. Lowery bounced a shot off Meyer and this time Smith cleaned up the rebound, tapping the ball into the lower right of the net for a 3-0 lead just 24:25 into the game.
The Marauders held advantages in shots (17-5), shots on goal (8-3) and corner kicks (11-0).
Off to their best start since 2011, the Marauders improve to 5-2-1 overall and 3-2-1 in the Northern Sun. Currently UMary is tied for fourth in the NSIC. SMSU is 0-8 and 0-6.
The Marauders continue their three-game home stand with Family Day on Sunday, Oct. 1, against the University of Sioux Falls. Game time is 1 pm at the MDU Resources Community Bowl.
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