HAMMOND, Ind. --- NCAA II Purdue University Northwest started its season with offensive dominance on Thursday when the University of St. Francis women's soccer team became their first shutout victim in a 4-0 defeat to the Pride.  The Fighting Saints (1-2-2) were out-shot 19-4 on the day, with 14 PNW attempts being on-goal.

First Half
The only goal Purdue Northwest (1-0-0) needed was the one that came just 10:14 into the contest by Melissa Mwaura, whose shot sailed above the outstretched arms of USF keeper Krystal Rodriguez.  The Pride would add another point to their total quickly thereafter to build their lead to 2-0.  St. Francis found its offensive footing in the last six minutes of the half, taking three shots of its own, but each attempt would come up empty in its effort to cut the deficit in half.

Second Half
The Pride balanced their offensive attack with solid defense in the second half as USF was only able to take one shot in the closing 45 minutes at 70:13.  That came off the foot of senior forward Alexis Marroquin, resulting in a save for the PNW keeper. Purdue Northwest's offense attempted 10 shots in the second half and connected twice to double the goal count.  Despite letting four goals get by, Rodriguez accrued an impressive nine saves in the match, her highest match total thus far this season.

Next Match
The Saints will stay on the road as they travel back to Indiana next Tuesday night to face another tough competitor in NAIA No. 17-ranked Marian University.  The match begins at 6 pm.

You can keep up with everything happening around USF Athletics on X @USFSaints.