After picking up a huge 7-1 win over UW-Superior on Friday, the St. Catherine University soccer team faced the daunting task of playing a tough Jamestown College team less than 24 hours later in its home opener on Saturday.
 
The Wildcats managed to prevail from the tough test with a huge 2-1 victory that came with just over three minutes remaining in the second overtime period. The game-winning goal came off the foot of senior Christina Paik (Beaverton, Ore.) on a hard pass from first-year Ellen Kokes (Bloomington, Minn.).
 
Paik has proven to be a clutch player for the Wildcats early in the season, scoring both of the Wildcat goals in the Jamestown win and two versus UW-Superior. She leads the team in with four goals and eight points just two games into the 2012 campaign.
 
Though Paik led the offensive charge for St. Kate's, Head Coach Chris Citowicki credits the win to the strong overall play of the entire Wildcats team.
 
“The team environment we have created is fantastic and played a big role in the game today, especially after the late set back goal,” said Citowicki.
 
After the early goal from Paik, the Wildcats dominated play and seemed to be in control. Jamestown wouldn't give up, though, as they managed to send the game into overtime thanks to a header by Amber Hillesland that went in for a goal with just over a minute remaining in regulation.
 
The Wildcats continued to battle and prove that the hard work they have put in so far this season has been worth it.
 
“Credit goes to the team,” said Citowicki. “Their hard work is really paying off and they played a great game. Jamestown was a great test and they pushed us in all areas, making us really work for the win.”
 
St. Kate's dominance on offense was thanks to a strong team effort as 12 different players had shots in the game. The Wildcats managed to outshoot the Jimmies 31-11. Jamestown goalkeeper Kayla Byle was forced to come up with 19 saves to ensure the game was close.
 
First-year goalkeeper Danielle Mendez (Bloomington, Minn.) helped keep the Wildcats in the game with seven saves on the day.
 
The Wildccats return to action next week as they travel to Pella, Iowa, to take on Central College on Wednesday, Sept. 5, at 5 p.m.
 
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