BISMARCK, ND – Combining a howling wind at their backs to start the game with a lock-down defensive effort, the University of Mary women's soccer team opened the 2025 season with a 2-0 win over visiting Montana State University Billings. The Marauders tallied twice in the first half and limited the Yellowjackets to two shots total for the match.  
 
With the wind blowing at over 30 miles an hour out of the west with gusts over 40, the Marauders took full advantage of the conditions to claim the non-conference win. Both UMary goals came from distance while the Marauders swarming defense eliminated the Yellowjackets scoring opportunities in the first 45 minutes.
 
Starting quickly, the Marauders just missed on a scoring opportunity less than four minutes into the game as All-Northern Sun forward Olivia Gardner blasted a shot off the right post. Two other misses followed in the first 11 minutes before UMary scored the opening goal of the season.
 
With the Yellowjackets attempting to break out of their defensive zone, Kadyn Sharpe stepped in front of a MSUB pass to take over possession. Sharpe quickly played the ball to Rachel Gensch and the UMary senior forward took advantage of a quick touch. With defenders converging, Gensch rifled a shot into the top left corner of the net from 31 yards out just 13:27 into the season.
 
UMary continued to press offensively and just missed on several attempts, including a shot off the crossbar by All-NSIC midfielder Rio Spruenken in the 33^rd minute.
 
With intermission fast approaching, the Marauders took advantage of another misplay by the Yellowjackets in the 43^rd minute. All-NSIC defender Allison Lepp picked up a free ball just inside midfield and played the ball forward to Kylan Campbell. Moving the ball quickly, Campbell played a thru ball to Dina Polanco, who was knocked down by an MSUB defender to earn a free kick. Lined up 24 yards straight out from the left post, Polanco rifled home her shot high inside the left post for the freshman midfielder's first collegiate goal.  
 
The Marauders dominated the first half statistics, holding a 12-0 edge in shots with five placed on frame.
 
Despite playing with the wind in the second half, the Yellowjackets attack continued to be stifled by the Marauders defenders. MSU Billings managed a pair of shots but both times UMary goalkeeper Kadyn Dilger made the save.
 
Making her first career start for the Marauders, Dilger earned her first clean sheet as UMary kept MSUB off the scoreboard.  
 
UMary held a 3-2 advantage in shots in the second half with both teams placing two on frame. The Marauders also took four corner kicks to one for the Yellowjackets.
 
For the game the Marauders claimed the edge in shots (15-2), shots on frame (7-2) an corner kicks (5-1). Both teams were whistled for 10 fouls.
 
The Marauders next make their first road trip of the season when UMary faces Emporia State University on Friday, September 12, and Washburn University on Sunday, September 14.
 
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