Game Summary

WINONA, Minn. — Through the season's first nine games, Saint Mary's University women's soccer coach Tony Guinn has watched his team steadily improve with each performance.

In fact, in those nine games, his Cardinals had managed a 3-5-1 overall record — equaling SMIU's win total of a year ago.

But something was still missing for the first-year head coach — that first Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference victory.

It's not missing anymore, as the Cardinals served up MIAC win No. 1 on a silver platter, scoring three straight goals, then holding off a furious Gustavus second-half comeback en route to a 3-2 victory Wednesday at Ochrymowycz Field.

"Everyone warned me that the (MIAC) was a tough, tough conference," said Guinn. "And all those people weren't kidding — not only are all the teams we've faced well-coached, but they are all full of talented players.

"We proved through the first nine games that we are an up-and-coming team — winning three of those first nine — but to get that first conference win is extra-special," Guinn continued. "I think it sends a message that we can play in this league."

SMU grabbed a 2-0 first-half lead, getting goals from Ashley Kirkman (Stillwater, Minn.) — her third in the last two games — and Amy Cory (Crystal Lake, Ill.), before pushing that advantage to 3-0 on Maria Laudenbach's (Long Lake, Minn.) third goal of the season 12 minutes into the second half.

The Gusties, however, made things interesting, getting back-to-back goals from Jenna Iaizzo and Amy Kunkel 19 minutes apart to cut the SMU lead to 3-2.

"A 3-0 lead is a lot to overcome in soccer, and you have to give Gustavus credit, they never gave up," said Guinn, whose team moved to 1-2-0 in the MIAC and 4-5-1 overall. "(Gustavus beat us 5-0 last year and we turned around and beat them 3-2 this year, so there's been a definite improvement on our part.

"It was great to see us continue to score goals — eight goals in our last two games is nice to see," continued Guinn, whose team netted five goals in last Saturday's 5-0 win vs. Marian and has now won two straight for the second time this season. "We've continued to show improved every time out, and hopefully, that continues."