ST. PAUL, Minn. – The St. Catherine University women's soccer team secured a 1-0 victory over Saint Mary's University on Saturday afternoon at St. Kate's Field. A late goal from Emily Henaman and a strong defensive performance helped the Wildcats improve to 8-3-1 overall and 4-1-1 in Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) play.
The Wildcats controlled the offensive tempo throughout the match, outshooting the Cardinals 23-3, including a 10-1 advantage in shots on goal.
Despite generating nine shots in the opening half, St. Catherine was unable to break through as the teams entered halftime scoreless. Bella Meier led the early offensive pressure with four first-half attempts, while Charlotte Willems and Henaman each forced saves from Saint Mary's goalkeeper Kelsy Siercks.
St. Catherine continued to apply pressure after the break, recording 14 second-half shots while holding the Cardinals to just one attempt.
The breakthrough came in the 84th minute when Henaman found the back of the net at 83:29, scoring her second goal of the season off an assist from Jaidyn Richter. The goal proved to be the game-winner as the Wildcats preserved their one-goal advantage through the final whistle.
Meier led the Wildcats with six shots, followed by Emily Olson with four. Henaman and Richter each added three attempts, while Willems placed both of her shots on goal.
Defensively, the Wildcats limited Saint Mary's to just three total shots. Goalkeeper Brianna Valdez played all 90 minutes, making one save to secure the shutout.
St. Kate's is home again on Tuesday facing St. Olaf College at 4 pm.
