NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Cate Patterson's (Jr./Racine, Wis./Prairie School) second-half goal was the difference as the Carleton College women's soccer team claimed a 1-0 triumph after traveling across the Cannon River to face rival St. Olaf College.

"We really had to grind for today's win," said Carleton head coach Jessica Mueller. "I'm very proud of our team for keeping its composure and showing a ton of resilience throughout the match. We found a way to score and found a way to leave with an important win. So proud of this group."
 
The artificial playing surface of Rolf Mellby Field was made even quicker than normal thanks to some drizzly rainfall, and the game was back and forth with quite a few shot attempts for both teams. The first half was scoreless, with the Knights putting four of their six shots on net, but they were all saved by St. Olaf (4-5-1, 2-3-0 MIAC) keeper Brynne Davis.
 
After attempting seven shots in the first half, the Oles came out firing on all cylinders, attempting 14 shots over the final 45 minutes and forcing Keya Mookencherry (Fy./Winnetka, Ill./New Trier) to make a few great plays. She, like Davis, would finish with five saves in the match.
 
Between Ole attacks, Carleton (6-2-2, 3-2-0 MIAC) had a few counters of its own, including a ball in the 76th minute off the foot of Patterson. The rocket deflected off an Ole defender and past Davis into the net for Patterson's sixth goal of the year and her second game-winning tally.
 
St. Olaf had chances down to the final minute of the game, but the Carleton back line held firm. Brie Forster (Sr./Northfield, Minn./Northfield), Reenie Sullivan (Jr./St. Paul, Minn./St. Paul Central), Megan Cablk (Fy./Naperville, Ill./Naperville North) and Thea Traw (Fy./Portland, Ore./Catlin Gabel) made many clutch plays against a tall St. Olaf front line. The Knights were able to successfully defend the Oles' eight corner kicks and earn three important points in the standings and keep Carleton in a tie for second place in the MIAC.
 
Up Next for the Knights
Carleton hosts Bethel University on Saturday, Oct. 9 at 3:30 p.m.