NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Saint Mary's College Soccer defeated Kalamazoo College, 1-0, in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association opener on Wednesday night. The Belles improve to 6-3 (1-0 MIAA) while the Hornets fall to 3-7 (0-1 MIAA). This was Saint Mary's first win over Kalamazoo in 11 years.

The Belles got off to a fast start and an early 1-0 lead when senior Grace Barresi found the back of the net at the 2:35 mark off a great pass from freshman Taylor London. The Belles tallied just four shots in the first half but only allowed a lone shot from the Hornets.

While Kalamazoo put pressure on Saint Mary's in the second half, it was the back line that kept them strong with the center-back pairing of junior Izzy Sherman and sophomore Brooke Baumann. Sophomore Claire Keely and freshman Danielle Escobedo held down the left and right back spots with freshman Isabella Kreydich playing a key central defensive mid role. All five players played all 90 minutes. This was the Belles fourth shutout of the year, all four coming at home.

Barresi along with senior Mary Kaczynski and sophomore Aubrey Brown led the team in shots as they outshot Kalamazoo, 8-6, but were out shot in shots on goal, 3-4. Senior goalkeeper Riley Lindsey recorded a season-high four saves on the night.

UP NEXT FOR THE BELLES

Saint Mary's travels north to kick-off a three match roadtrip as they head to Grand Rapids, Michigan to take on the #18 ranked Calvin University with a 4:30pm kickoff on Saturday.