RIVER FALLS, Wis. – The St. Catherine University women's soccer team earned a commanding 3-0 road victory over UW-River Falls on Wednesday evening at Ramer Field. Senior Bella Meier led the Wildcats with two goals, while Emily Olson added another as St. Catherine improved to 13-3-1 overall.
The Wildcats controlled the pace early, generating multiple scoring opportunities before breaking through in the 14th minute. Following a UW-River Falls foul inside the box, Meier converted a penalty kick at the 13:38 mark to give St. Catherine a 1-0 advantage. The goal proved to be the game-winner as the Wildcats' defense held the Falcons scoreless throughout the contest.
St. Catherine doubled its lead in the 29th minute when Olson found the back of the net off an assist from Emily Henaman. The goal marked Olson's fourth of the season and sent the Wildcats into halftime with a 2-0 lead.
The Wildcats continued to apply pressure in the second half, recording eight shots over the final 45 minutes. Lydia Benson helped lead the offensive effort, finishing with a team-high four shots, including three on goal. The Wildcats also generated nine corner kicks throughout the match, compared to just one for UW-River Falls.
Meier put the finishing touches on the victory in the 71st minute, scoring her second goal of the evening to extend the Wildcats' lead to 3-0. The senior finished with three shots, all on target, and recorded her eighth goal of the season.
St. Catherine's defense was equally impressive, limiting UW-River Falls to just three shots throughout the contest, none of which were on target. Goalkeeper Brianna Valdez played all 90 minutes in net, earning the shutout as the Wildcats prevented the Falcons from registering a shot on goal.
The Wildcats finished with a commanding 14-3 advantage in shots, including a 9-0 edge in shots on goal. Meier's two-goal performance, Olson's first-half finish, and Henaman's assist highlighted a balanced offensive effort, while St. Catherine's defensive unit secured the clean sheet.
St. Kate's will close out the regular season on Saturday in Moorhead facing Concordia College at 1 pm. The Wildcats clinched their spot in the MIAC Playoffs for the eleventh time in program history and ninth appearance under head coach Jesse Campos. St. Kate's will earned a first round bye and the No. 2 seed hosting the semifinal round on Thursday, November 5 at 2 pm.
