MARIAN, Ind. -- The Madonna Women's Soccer team was back in action today as they hit the road to take on the No.15 ranked Wildcats of Indiana Wesleyan University. The Crusaders fought hard but ended up falling 5-1 and moved to an 1-1 overall record to start the 2024 season.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

The Wildcats jumped on the Crusaders quickly with four first half goals. The 0-0 tied was broken at the 18:16 mark and then not a minute later, Indiana Wesleyan tacked on another goal at the 19:09 mark to make it a 2-0 ball game. Senior goalie Mackenzie Fifer made three saves in a row to slow the Wildcats down. However, the Wildcats found the back of the net two more times, both coming in the 43rd minute of the game. 

In the second half, Indiana Wesleyan scored once again to make it 5-0, but the Crusaders did get on the board in the 67th minute. Marlena Ballnik was able to find the back of the net to make it a 5-1 ball game. Ultimatley, the Wildcats showed why theyre ranked No.15 in the country and the Crusaders came away with a 5-1 loss. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Fifer made four saves on the day
• Ballnik scored her first goal of the season and the first of her career

UP NEXT:

Coach Paul Patton and the Women's Soccer team will be back in action on Monday, September 2 when they travel to the University of Detroit-Mercy. Kickoff is set for 1:00 pm. 

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