UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich.- The Saginaw Valley State University women's soccer team started the season-opener against Truman State University fast and held on for the victory Friday at Braddock Field.

The Cardinals scored two goals in the opening 23 minutes to jump in front. After Truman cut the SVSU lead in half shortly after the break, Stephanie Strong scored her first career goal to put the Cardinals up two. SVSU held on for the season-opening 3-1 win to start 1-0-0. 

SVSU got on the board in the third minute when Reegan Kingpavong found the back of the net of an assist from Amy Babon. The two connected again 20 minutes later, with Babon finding the net off an assist from Kingpavong.

Early in the second half, Truman State cut the lead in half with the only goal of the game for the Bulldogs. SVSU answered quickly, when Stephanie Strong sent a shot off the right post, got her own rebound, and scored.

In net for SVSU, Olivia Argeros made two saves, winning her Cardinal debut. The Cardinals outshot the Bulldogs 20-6. 

The Cardinals remain at home to host Quincy University at 1 pm Sunday at Braddock Field.