STEVENS POINT, Wis. — The St. Catherine University soccer team opened the 2026 season on the road Tuesday evening, falling 1-0 to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at the UWSP Turf Facility. The Wildcats move to 0-1-0 on the season, while the Pointers improve to 1-0-0.
The two teams played through a scoreless opening 45 minutes, with St. Catherine creating a pair of quality opportunities.
Bella Meier put the Wildcats' first shot on goal in the seventh minute, forcing a save from UW-Stevens Point goalkeeper Jocelyn Blahnik.
Ari Douvier added another chance in the 29th minute that was also turned away.
St. Catherine continued to pressure the Pointers after halftime.
Emily Olson came inches from breaking the scoreless tie in the 59th minute when her attempt struck the crossbar.
Jaidyn Richter followed with a shot on goal in the 65th minute, but UW-Stevens Point goalkeeper Ainsley Katte made the save.
The game's lone goal came in the 78th minute when UW-Stevens Point's Sofia Jimenez found the back of the net to give the Pointers a 1-0 advantage.
The Wildcats continued searching for the equalizer over the final 12 minutes. Richter added two more attempts late in the match, but St. Catherine was unable to find the tying goal before the final whistle.
St. Catherine finished with six shots, including three on goal, while UW-Stevens Point recorded eight shots with three on frame. The Wildcats and Pointers each earned four corner kicks.
Richter led the Wildcats offensively with three shots, including one on goal. Meier and Douvier each recorded a shot on frame, while Olson added one attempt.
Brianna Valdez played all 90 minutes in goal for St. Catherine and finished with two saves.
The Wildcats will open the home season hosting Willamette University on Friday, September 4 at St. Kate's Field at 5:30 pm. The season opener is sponsored by The Hidden Opponent as a Mental Health Awareness Game with fans encouraged to wear green.
