ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The Maryville University Saints used a pair of goals in the opening minutes of Friday's matchup with the Northwest Missouri State University women's soccer team to post a 2-1 win.
 
The Saints started aggressively, scoring twice within the first two minutes of the game. The first goal came from Elsa Nilson-Hurtig assisted by Allison Estanich. The second goal followed close after, with Ashlyne Hunt with an assist from Emily Doane scoring a second goal for the Saints. The Bearcats responded near the 18th minute of the game, with junior Ximena Arnau scoring a goal, assisted by Lillie Shaw, making the score 2-1, in favor of the Saints.
 
Throughout the first half, the Saints outshot the Bearcats, 10-to-2 with five being on target. Northwest goalkeeper Lily Ellis had three saves in the first half, keeping them in the game.
 
After halftime, the Saints continued their assertive play style, outshooting Northwest again, 10-to-2, with six of those shots being on target. However, the second half remained scoreless with goalkeeper Ellis racking up six saves for the 'Cats. 
 
Ellis secured nine saves in the match, bringing her career total of saves to 291.
 
Up Next: 
Northwest will return to the Bearcat Pitch to take on Southwest Baptist on Wednesday, Sept. 17. The Bearcats will then head to Tulsa, Okla. to play in an exhibition match against Oral Roberts on Saturday, Sept. 20.