Quincy, Ill. - The Quincy University women's soccer team opened its season at Jack Mackenzie field Friday evening (Sept. 6) against the Saginaw Valley State University Cardinals. Despite challenging the Cardinals net minder often, Quincy finished in a 1-0 defeat. 

The Hawks offense flourished in this evening's contest with eight shots on goal, the most the Hawks have taken since facing Upper Iowa last September. Junior Ella Wolfard led the Hawks in shots on net with four and began the Hawks offensive attacks with a low shot off a Reese Wingbermuehle through pass. Quincy peppered the Cardinals with back to back shots a little later but did not find the net. 

Senior Julia Mincher kept the Cardinals at bay on the other end by diffusing a dangerous free kick in the first portion of the game. Mincher recorded fives saves in the contest, including a point blank save off the endline. The Cardinals broke through 20 minutes on a breakaway, leaving the Hawks down 1-0. 

Quincy came back to a physical game in the second half, both teams bodying up more than the first. Each team drew six fouls in the second half, double than the first, and the Hawks tested the Cardinals defense on the free kicks. Dashe Johnson drew a foul just outside the box giving the Hawks their best opportunity in the second half. Wolfard took the kick and curled it around the Cardinals wall, but the shot was stopped by the Cardinals goalkeeper. 

The Hawks look to end the weekend on a high note this Sunday when they host the Davenport Panthers at 2:30 p.m.