MACOMB, Ill. - Nebraska-Omaha (4-6-2) defeated Western Illinois women's soccer (7-9. 1-5) on a cold and breezy Thursday afternoon, 1-0.
"The conditions were tough today and we need to adapt and gain experience in these types of conditions," stated assistant coach Mariana Sanchez. If we keep working on our fitness and continue to hold our head high, the end of the season can be a positive experience."
UNO is set to officially join the Summit League next season and already had league patches on the athletes jerseys in preparation for 2012.
Katie Pickinpaugh collected the game's only goal in the 34th minute as Melanie McCormick found her at 10 yards and Pickinpaugh finished far post.
Shots were even at six after 45 minutes.
The Maverick defense held the Leathernecks in check during the second half despite Western having 14 shots to UNO's 11 at the conclusion of the match. Seven of those shots were on goal for Western.
"Kristin Kuhar was fantastic today," continued Sanchez. "She is experienced and really knows how to control the back line. She did a great job of communicating and organizing our defense."
Freshman Liz Schulze made her debut for the Leathernecks and was not forced to make any saves, as the only shot on goal was the goal by Pickinpaugh.
"She did a good job today, especially for not playing all season," said Sanchez. "She was very excited and a little nervous but overall I was please with her performance."
The Mavericks goalkeeper, Katelyn Tschida, made seven saves and earned her third shutout of the season.
Action resumes for the Leathernecks during Family Weekend as they host IUPUI at noon on Saturday.
Goal Summary
Nebraska-Omaha
33:40 - Melanie McCormick found Katie Pickinpaugh at 10 yards and she finished far post.
