JOLIET, Ill. -- The University of St. Francis women's soccer team landed in the win column for the second straight match to begin the 2025 season Saturday afternoon as two Saints combined to score three goals in a 3-0 victory over Indiana University Columbus.  With the win, the Saints improved to 2-0 on the year.

First Half
The Saints controlled possession the majority of the first half by getting 16 shots off, resulting in eight saves from IUC keeper Mallory Gilley.  In the 14th minute, USF looked like it had broken through as junior Isabel Diez fired a shot towards the IUC net over the outstretched hands of the Crimson Pride keeper.  The ball ricocheted off the crossbar and fell in front of the visitor's net, but a second chance try by Charlene Mendoza resulted in a diving save from the visiting goaltender and kept the match scoreless.  The Crimson Pride defense held USF to five shots the remainder of the period with both teams heading into the break tied 0-0.

Second Half
St. Francis continued to dominate possession the entirety of the second half and erupted for three goals, while only allowing Indiana Columbus (0-1-1) just three offensive chances.  Mia Ocana got the scoring going early for USF after she missiled a ball past the IUC keeper in the 47th minute of play.  The authoritative goal would set the tone for the match as the Saints kept the offensive pressure consistent throughout the remainder of the 45-minute session.  It only took St. Francis 12 more minutes to double its lead when Diez connected for a scoring strike off an assist by Ocana at the 59:56 mark.  In the 79th minute, the Crimson Pride defense was met with a final USF offensive charge when Diez scored USF's third goal of the contest (her second of the day) on a free kick from 25 yards out.  The Saints totaled 17 shots in the period with 10 being on goal.

For the match, USF registered 33 shot attempts with 18 total on target, while holding Indiana Columbus to just four shots (three on goal).  Giselle Mata recorded her second straight win and shutout in net for the Saints after logging 90 minutes and three saves.

Up Next
St. Francis will stay at home to face off against Mount Mercy University (Iowa) in a non-conference matchup on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at Joliet Memorial Stadium.  Kickoff is slated for 7 pm.

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