LIVONIA, Mich. - Madonna University (12-5-1) scored twice less than six minutes apart in the first half to take command of a 3-1 soccer victory over Cleary (MI) (4-9-4) on Saturday, Oct. 31, in Livonia, Michigan. The Crusaders remained unbeaten in conference play at 8-0-1, while Cleary fell to 2-5-2.
Goalkeeper Grace McCormick kept the match scoreless at 12:01 by saving Morgan Vanos' shot before Madonna broke through. Chelsey Chambless opened the scoring at 21:22 off an assist from Canses Gibson. Alessia Di Nino followed at 27:18, converting an assist from Lillian Hayter for what proved to be the winning goal. The Crusaders carried that 2-0 advantage into halftime after outshooting Cleary 8-4 and earning all three of the match's corner kicks.
Marlena Ballnik pushed the lead to 3-0 at 51:03, with Gibson supplying a second assist. Cleary answered at 56:26 when Alayna Eldred scored off an assist from Emily Bourn, cutting the deficit to two goals. Madonna continued to generate chances after the response, finishing the second half with a 14-3 advantage in shots.
Chambless led the Crusaders with five shots, while Hayter paired an assist with four attempts, including two on goal. Ballnik put both shots on target, and Di Nino finished with two attempts. Carly Roth added three shots, including a header at 84:03 that Cleary goalkeeper Sara Mecomber saved as Madonna sought another goal.
The Crusaders finished with a 22-7 edge in shots and an 8-2 advantage in shots on goal, forcing Mecomber to make five saves. McCormick completed a scoreless opening 45 minutes with one save. Addison Beil played the entire second half in goal, allowing one goal without recording a save.
Madonna Women's Soccer will be back in action on Saturday, November 7, 2026 when they will host the second round of the 2026 WHAC Women's Soccer Tournament. Time and opponent is to-be-determined.
