ST. PAUL, Minn. — The action in the second half came up big for the Cardinals today. The Saint Mary's women's soccer team (8-1-0, 2-1-0) secured a 2-0 victory over Hamline University (3-3-4, 1-2-0) on Saturday at Paterson Field. 

The Cardinals dominated with 28 shots, 19 of which were on goal, while the Pipers managed just four shots. The Cardinals defense held strong, earning a shutout with three saves.

Samantha Munson scored the game-winning goal on four shots, all of which were on target. 

Anna Peckosh recorded a shutout, her fourth of the season, making three saves in her 90 minutes in goal. Lauryn Skoruppa contributed an assist and led the team with four shots, one of which was on goal. Jossy Saamanen added a goal with a big header with her only shot ensuring it was on target and recording her first as a Cardinal.

The first half commenced with Saint Mary's applying early offensive pressure. Sarah Ringland initiated the attack with a shot that went wide at 8th minute. The Cardinals continued their offensive momentum, as Munson's shot was saved at the 12th.

The Cardinals maintained control as Anika Chavez's effort was again saved at 28th minute. Despite numerous attempts, including shots from Maren Clow, Hannah Bradley, and Anna Warneke, the Cardinals were unable to find the back of the net. 

The half concluded with the score tied at 0-0, as both teams headed to the break.

The second half began with a series of offensive attempts by the Cardinals, as Munson and Ana Beckman each tested the Pipers' goalkeeper, Isabella Jensen, who managed to keep the scoresheet clean with several saves. 

Despite the defensive resistance, the Cardinals maintained their attacking pressure, which eventually paid off in the 75th minute when Munson found the back of the net, assisted by Skoruppa, giving the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.

The Cardinals capitalized on their momentum, with Saamanen extending the lead to 2-0 in the 79th minute, thanks to an assist from Fields on the corner. The visiting team continued to apply pressure with additional shots and corner kicks, while the Pipers struggled to find a response. 

The half closed with the Cardinals firmly in control, taking a 2-0 victory as the final whistle blew.

The Cardinals return to action tomorrow, wrapping up nonconference play with a 3:00 p.m. kickoff at UW-Stevens Point.