ST. PAUL - Tuesday's non-conference match-up against the V-Hawks from Viterbo University (7-6 NAIA) resulted in a 5-1 non-conference win for the Wildcats. The St. Catherine University soccer team now 7-3-2 overall and 4-2-2 in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) opened the remainder of the regular season and home stretch of three remaining games, after today's win at home. 

The Wildcat starting line-up saw a few new faces against the visiting V-Hawks from Viterbo located in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Starting in her first appearance this season after an injury was junior midfielder, Julia Rupp (North Branch, Minn.) adding a shot in the first half and newcomer first-year defender Jamie Johnson (Hastings, Minn.) picking up her first start of the season. 

St. Kate's was off to a quick start getting on the board twice in the first 12 minutes. The first goal and her 9th of the season was sophomore forward Lauren Witte (Lakeville, Minn. / Lakeville North) from senior defender Nicole Doran (Farmington, Minn.). No more than 30 seconds following Witte's goal, senior midfielder Kaitlin Machovec (Woodbury, Minn./ North) netted one on an assist from first-year forward Sofia Campbell (St. Paul, Minn. / Nova Classical Academy). 

The Wildcats held the 2-0 lead for most of the first half until the V-Hawks picked up their only goal of the game from Sydney King unassisted in the 33rd minute followed by a common name lately in the box score for the Wildcats, first-year midfielder Taylor Johnson (Cottage Grove, Minn. / Park) collecting her second goal of the season on a perfect set-up by Campbell in the 37th minute. 

The Wildcats held the 3-1 lead over the V-Hawks when junior forward Allie Bird (Maple Grove, Minn.) scored her first of two in the 66th minute unassisted. Bird's second goal of the game and her fourth of the season came in the 70th minute again unassisted on a long ball over the keepers head. 

The Wildcats are home for the remainder of the season with game Saturday, October 20 vs. Gustavus. The St. Catherine University Residents Hall Association is sponsoring a Katie Cat Tailgate from 11 am-1 pm Saturday before the game. Fans are encouraged to come early to enjoy food, games and prizes before the Wildcats take on the Gusties at 1 pm!