Madonna University Athletics

LEBANON, Tenn. - Madonna scored three first-half goals and protected the lead with a combined six-save effort in goal, defeating Freed-Hardeman (Tennessee) 3-0 on Aug. 28 at Lindsey Donnell Stad. The neutral-site victory improved Madonna to 1-2-0 and dropped Freed-Hardeman to 0-2-0.

Madison Ellis delivered the decisive goal in the 16th minute. The unassisted strike at 15:38 gave Madonna a 1-0 advantage and was credited as the game-winner. Less than four minutes later, Carly Roth scored from an assist by Amarra Blattner at 19:22, quickly doubling the lead. It was Carly Roth's third goal of the season.

The first-half attack produced another goal before the break. Nadine Jawad converted a pass from Avery Topinka at 35:36 to send Madonna into halftime with a 3-0 lead. Nadine Jawad finished with three shots, while Carly Roth placed both of their attempts on goal. Madonna totaled 18 shots, including 10 on goal, and earned four corner kicks.

Freed-Hardeman generated six shots on goal, but Addison Beil, Paige Costello and Grace McCormick combined to stop all of them. Addison Beil and Paige Costello each made one save during their shifts in goal, and Grace McCormick recorded four saves over the final 28:56.

The shutout faced its biggest test late in the second half when Freed-Hardeman received a penalty kick. Grace McCormick made the save at 83:34 to preserve the three-goal margin and complete the clean sheet. Madonna finished with an 18-9 advantage in total shots and avoided any yellow or red cards in front of 111 spectators.

The Crusaders will be back in action on Wednesday, September 2nd as they head to Fort Wayne, Ind. to take on Saint Francis University (Ind.). Kick off is set for 7:00 PM.