UNIVERSITY CENTER - The Saginaw Valley State University women's soccer team hosted the Madonna University Crusaders for a non-conference match in the home opener of the 2015 season. Three first half goals held true for the Lady Cardinals, as they put together a strong performance in a 3-1 victory at SVSU's Braddock Field.
SVSU came out of the gate strong, with Bria Spraggins scoring her first goal of the season within the first eight minutes of the match. Ashley Henderson tacked-on her first goal this season and the second goal of the game with a header at the 21:08 minute mark. She was assisted by freshman Samantha Dunn, who was on the field representing the Cardinals for the first time in her career.
Saginaw Valley's third goal came off the foot of Mallory Hestwood in the final three minutes of the first half as she scored from the left side off a pass from Kristin Syrowik.
In the second half, the Crusaders only took two shots, both by Kelly Capoccia, who scored Madonna's only goal with seven minutes left on the clock to cut the SV lead to 3-1. That is where the score would stand, as the Cardinals improved to 2-1-0 overall for the season. Madonna suffered its first loss of the 2015 campaign and fell to 3-1-0 overall.
Cardinal goalkeeper Claire Spleth (2-1-0) picked up the win between the posts for SVSU, as she made two saves on both shots on goal she faced.
The Cardinals will host Ohio Dominican at Braddock Field in their first conference match of the season next Friday, September 18 at 1:00 p.m. The match serves as the first of a league doubleheader, as the Cards also host Tiffin on Sunday at noon.
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