BISMARK, N.D.  Western Colorado soccer played a strong defensive game in its season-opening match at host University of Mary (N.D.), but the Marauders, too, held firm in their end as the two teams battled to a 0-0 draw in a non-conference bout at the MDU Resources Community Bow.

JUST THE FACTS
Final Score: Western Colorado ties Univ. of Mary, 0-0
Records: Western Colorado 0-0-1, UMary 0-0-1
Location: MDU Resources Community Bowl, Bismark, N.D.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Both goalkeepers provided blank sheets for their teams, Western's Mei Hayashizaki coming up with three saves while UMary's Molly Fischer had four saves.
• The Mountaineer back line of Karly Morkunas and Malia Yang on the outsides and Ava Lowe in the center back position were a solid last line of defense ahead of Hayashizaki, limiting the Marauders to a total of three shots within the 18 as just three made it on frame forcing Hayashizaki's hand.
• At the other end of the pitch, the Western attack had more of a presence despite going scoreless. Six of their nine shots came from within the 18, four making it on frame to Fischer.
• The best scoring chance by either team came in the 31st minute. Western's Kylie Hickox collected a loose ball off a blocked shot and rocketed an attempt from just inside the 18 that pounded the crossbar, but UMary was able to clear away the rebound and any further threat.
• The Mountaineers pressed for a tie-breaking goal late in the second half, but shots by Natasha Kasozi and Laura Pelino were saved by Fischer, and one final shot by Luci Gulbransen missed just outside of the left post.

ON THE PITCH

• The Marauders played a physical game, accumulating 12 fouls and one yellow card. Western earned a yellow but otherwise were whistled just three times for fouls.
• Morkunas, Lowe, Yang and Hayashizaki never left the pitch for Western. Midfielder Ellie Kubena also rang up a 90-minute game.
• UMary's aggression in its attacking end resulted in a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks, but none of those set pieces even resulted in a shot by the Marauders. Though Western was limited to only three of the set pieces, the one at the 15:26 mark turned into a shot on goal by Mary Wilson that Fischer was able to keep out of the back of the net.

UP NEXT
The Mountaineers follow a travel day with a non-conference matchup Saturday morning against host Minnesota State University Moorhead.