DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich. - Cassidy Derry broke a scoreless tie four minutes into the second half, helping Madonna University (7-5-0) defeat Michigan-Dearborn (4-7-1) 2-0 on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Crestwood. Derry's first goal of the season proved to be the game-winner as the Crusaders improved to 4-0-0 in conference play.
Madonna generated chances throughout the first half but entered the break tied despite a 12-2 advantage in shots and six corner kicks. Marlena Ballnik forced Michigan-Dearborn goalkeeper Julia Tasker into a save at 3:21, and Tasker stopped Angelina Moraccini at 41:32 to keep the match scoreless.
The Crusaders resumed their pressure immediately after halftime. Chelsey Chambless had a shot saved at 46:02, followed by two Madonna corner kicks in the next 35 seconds. Derry delivered the breakthrough at 49:00, scoring off an assist from Ballnik for a 1-0 lead. Tasker later denied Moraccini at 58:27 and stopped Derry's header at 67:56.
Madonna protected its one-goal advantage by keeping Michigan-Dearborn's limited chances off target. Sofia Pinkowski's attempt was blocked at 70:43, and Macy Gugala shot wide three seconds later. Those were the hosts' only two shots of the second half, and neither required a save from Crusaders goalkeeper Grace McCormick.
Lillian Hayter provided a second goal at 81:44, scoring unassisted immediately after a blocked attempt by Nadine Jawad. It was Hayter's first goal of the season and doubled Madonna's lead to 2-0. Hayter finished with four shots, while Chambless led the Crusaders with five. Ballnik and Moraccini each contributed three shots, including two on goal.
The Crusaders finished with advantages of 27-4 in shots, 9-0 in shots on goal and 13-1 in corner kicks. Tasker made seven saves, five after halftime, as Michigan-Dearborn fell to 3-2-0 in conference play. McCormick played all 90 minutes and secured the shutout without needing a save.
The Crusaders will be back in action on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 when they welcome the Cougars of Cleary University to MU Soccer and Lacrosse Field for a 4:00 PM WHAC kickoff.
