ST. PAUL, Minn. -- St. Catherine soccer handed the visiting Bethel University Royals their first Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) loss on Saturday in the Wildcats home opener. St. Kate's came from behind in the second half to improve 3-0-2 with the 2-1 victory. 

"I am very proud of the resiliency the team displayed today", said head coach Jesse Campos. "Going down a goal in the first half and having to break down an organized opponent for a pair of second-half goals is a tough task, but they moved the ball well and created several quality chances."


St. Catherine came out strong firing off five shots in the first five minutes before Bethel struck first with a goal in the 8th minute of place. St. Kate's dominated play in the first half winning the shot count with 16 shots with the Royals keeper making nine saves. 

Junior Amanda Elton collected her fourth goal of the season with help from senior Amora Valencia off a free kick to knot the game at 1-1 in the 52nd minute. 

The Wildcats second goal was also the result of a free-kick from rookie Caitlyn Bartlett finding senior Sofia Campbell for her first goal of the season in the 73rd minute taking the 2-1 lead. 

Elton tallied a career-high eleven shots in the game with six on goal. Valencia was shortly behind tallying a career-best eight shots and three on goal. Sophomore Kate Praetz allowed one goal in the game and recorded three saves. 

St. Kate's is home again at 4 pm on Tuesday for a non-conference game against Central College.