ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The St. Catherine University soccer team battled MIAC opponent Bethel University to a scoreless draw Wednesday evening at Ona Orth Athletic Complex.
The Wildcats controlled much of the attacking play, finishing with a 16-6 advantage in shots and putting six attempts on goal. St. Kate's increased the pressure after halftime, outshooting the Royals 10-2 over the final 45 minutes.
St. Catherine generated several quality opportunities throughout the opening half. Ali Owens, Ceci Emery, Charlotte Willems and Emily Olson each put shots on frame, but Bethel goalkeeper Autumn Maki kept the Wildcats off the board.
The Wildcats continued to push forward in the second half. Lydia Benson forced a save in the 64th minute before Bella Meier put another attempt on target in the 80th. St. Kate's earned four second-half corner kicks and kept Bethel under pressure throughout the closing stretch.
The best opportunity of the night came in the final minute when the Wildcats were awarded a penalty kick. Meier stepped to the spot, but the attempt went wide as the match remained scoreless through the final whistle.
Willems led the Wildcat attack with a match-high five shots, while Owens, Meier and Natalie Barnes each recorded two. Owens, Meier, Olson, Emery, Benson and Willems each registered a shot on goal.
Defensively, St. Catherine limited Bethel to just six total shots and only two on goal. Brianna Valdez made both saves in net to record the shutout, playing all 90 minutes.
The Wildcats travel to Duluth on Saturday, October 3 and return to St. Paul on Saturday, October 10 hosting Saint Mary's at 1 pm.
