FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Albanese, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

Box Score

DECATUR, Ill. (Oct. 1, 2011)-- Yielding two goals in the opening 26 minutes of play, the North Central College women's soccer team was unable to overcome the early deficit, falling 3-2 to host Millikin University on Saturday afternoon in the Cardinals' College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin season opener.

The Big Blue (6-2-1, 1-1-0 CCIW) opened the scoring in the 13th minute with Sarah Christy slipping one past the keeper off a pair of assists from Emily Leskowicz and Nikki Smith. Millikin's advantage was doubled in the 26th minute with Jessica Hoefert scoring a header goal off another Smith assist as the home squad enjoyed a 2-0 lead at the halftime break.

Dominique Collins put the Cardinals (5-4, 0-1 CCIW) on the board in the 65th minute off a feed from Victoria Dunn but the Big Blue responded just eight minutes later with a goal by Chelsea Jones off a free kick.

Emma Bader found Michelle Lazowski in the 85th minute to cut the deficit to just one but North Central was unable to find the equalizer before time expired.

Amy Frazzini recorded three saves in goal for the Cardinals, logging all 90 minutes. Millikin's Kyli Humm recorded three saves in the opening half before making way for Natalie Robertaccio, who logged three saves in the final 45 minutes of play.

The Cardinals return to the pitch on Sunday, hosting Lakeland College (Wis.) at 1 p.m.