BISMARCK, ND – A tone-setting goal by Eli Olsen in the opening minutes of play led the University of Mary soccer team to a decisive 4-0 victory over visiting University of Sioux Falls. Olsen tallied in each half as the Marauders unbeaten streak improved to six matches.
 
UMary is 5-0-1 on the season, the best start in NCAA era program history. The Marauders are 2-0-1 in the Northern Sun. USF is 0-5-1/0-2-1.
 
The Marauders converted a corner attempt into an opening goal. Approaching from the left side, Mo Malone lofted a perfect ball into the top center of the goal area. Elevating above the Cougars defenders, an Olsen header directly into the net gave UMary a 1-0 lead just 2:04 into the game.
 
Continued pressure on the Cougars net paid off in the 27th minute when Kendra Park scored her team-high 3rd goal of the season off a helper from MaLiah Burke.
 
The Marauders onslaught continued in the 61st minute. Off a scramble following a corner kick, Park's attempt to score in front of the goal was blocked by a defender. Olsen swooped in and drove the ball into the net for her second goal of the day and third of the season.
 
Olivia Gardner finished the scoring four minutes later, fighting her way through USF defenders to knock a loose ball into the goal. It was the second straight game the freshman has scored a goal.
 
The Marauders dominated the stat sheet, holding advantages in shots (16-5), shots on frame (10-0) and corner kicks (12-2).
 
Madisyn Waltman and Molly Fischer combined for the Marauders fourth clean sheet of the season and the second combined shutout. Neither UMary goalkeeper was forced to make a save.
 
UMary wraps up the weekend and a 5-game home stand against Southwest Minnesota State University on Sunday, Sept. 18. Game time is 1 pm at the MDU Resources Community Bowl.
 
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