ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Carleton College women's soccer team earned its first MIAC victory of the season by defeating St. Catherine University, 4-0, with an early goal from Madeline Marker (Sr./Edina, Minn./Edina) being the difference.
 
Despite the lopsided score line, the game was statistically very even as the Knights (4-1-1, 1-1-0 MIAC) were outshot by the Wildcats (4-4-0, 1-2-0 MIAC), 17-16, and the home team held a 7-3 lead in terms of corner kicks.
 
Carleton came roaring out of the gates, with Marker and Nora Mertz (Sr./Evanston, Ill./Evanston Township) both scoring in the opening 10 minutes. It was the second goal of the campaign for each senior.

"The women fought for 90 minutes today and deserved that sweet win," said Carleton head coach Jocelyn Keller. "It's been over three years since we've been able to get a win versus St. Kate's, so this was especially fun for our seven seniors. Madeline and Nora stepping up the first ten minutes gave our team the energy and confidence we needed.
 
"The team's mentality and intentionality at training showed in our play today. Everyone gets credit for the effort in preparing for today's match."
 
In the second-half, St. Catherine's began to mount a rally, but Anna Roethler (Jr./St. Louis Park, Minn./St. Lois Park) made seven of her 10 saves over the final 45 minutes, ensuring the shutout.
 
Carleton then proceeded to end the game in very similar fashion to how they began the game, with a pair of goals over a 10-minute window. Rainey Tilley (Fy./South Pasadena, Calif./South Pasadena) got the Knights their third goal of the game in the 80th minute off assists from Laura Kiernan (Sr./Madison, Wis./Madison West) and Libby Franchot (Jr./Eden Prairie, Minn./The Blake School). Four minutes later Cate Patterson (Fy./Racine, Wis./Prairie School) finalized the scoring by burying a low-angle shot for her fourth goal of the season.
 
UP NEXT FOR THE KNIGHTS: The Knights return home and look to finish their nonconference slate undefeated when they host UW-La Crosse. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25. Live video and stats will be available via links at athletics.carleton.edu