[Women's Soccer] Mustangs beat Wolves in season opener

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Mount Mercy outshot Cardinal Stritch (Wis.) and converted three goal-scoring opportunities en route to a 3-1 victory over the Wolves in a season-opening match on Tuesday at Lower Kingston Field.

Freshman forward Kristin Thom gave the Mustangs (1-0-0) an early lead with her first collegiate goal in the 21st minute. Less than three minutes later, junior midfielder Maggie McMurrin added Mount Mercy's second score before Brenda Hernandez got the Wolves (0-1-0) on the board in the 33rd minute. Neither team found the back of the net again until the 82nd minute, when freshman forward Ameliea Parris scored an insurance goal for the final margin.

Sophomore Jerica Christensen was terrific in goal for the Mustangs, recording five saves in six opportunities. Kathleen Sauvey did her best to keep the Wolves in the match with seven saves. Mount Mercy outshot Cardinal Stritch, 19-11, overall and put 10 shots on goal compared to six for the Wolves.

The Mustangs head west later this week for non-conference matchups with Briar Cliff on Friday at 3:00 p.m. in Sioux City and Dordt on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. in Sioux Center.