Wildcats fall short in 1-0 loss to Carleton in MIAC opener

After winning two-straight to open the season, the St. Catherine University soccer team hoped to find a way to get back on the winning track knowing it wouldn't be easy heading into Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) play against a strong Carleton College squad. Despite a strong defensive effort, the Wildcats couldn't find the back of the net in falling 1-0 to the Knights to open conference competition Tuesday afternoon in Northfield, Minnesota.

The Wildcat defense managed to hold the Knights to just one goal on a dominating 13 shots with six making their way to goalie Danielle Mendez (Bloomington, Minn./Academy of Holy Angels). Offensively, though, the Wildcats managed just four shots on goal and couldn't capitalize on a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks.Â

The Wildcats held off the Knights untl the 34th minute when Hailey Mair netted her second goal of the season on a pass from Megan King beating Mendez with a shot to the top right corner giving the Knights a 1-0 lead they never surrendered.Â

The lone shot on goal for the Wildcats in the second half of play came off the foot of Ellen Kokes (Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson) who led the team with two shots on goal on the day. Her shot wasn't enough to help the Wildcats as they fall to 2-2-1 on the season and 0-1 against MIAC opponents.Â

Mendez recorded a season-high five saves in the loss. Elly Leyva (San Jacinto, Minn./San Jacinto) and Kelly Molitor (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville South) each had two shots and one on goal.Â

The Wildcats return to their home field Saturday for a MIAC game against Hamline University. Game time is slated for 1 p.m. in St. Paul.Â

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