Mustangs defeat Rams in season opener

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- The Mount Mercy women's soccer team made a successful debut on Thursday night, out-shooting Cornell while defeating the Rams, 3-0, at Hadzic Field.

The Mustangs (1-0-0) set the tone early. Miran Sakai scored the first of her two goals in the fifth minute on an assist by Lauren Wagner. Mount Mercy maintained that slim, 1-0 advantage through halftime before adding on.

Lexi Wagner found the back of the net for the first time as a Mustang just three minutes into the second half on a nice assist by Nathalie Primbs. The Mount Mercy defense locked up the Rams and and Sakai tacked on her second score in the 85th minute to wrap the scoring.

Mount Mercy doubled up Cornell in total shot attempts, 14-7. That included a 10-3 margin in the second half. Mustang goalkeeper Grace Byers stopped the only shot on goal for the Rams (0-1-0).

The Mustangs host Waldorf on Wednesday at 5:00 pm at Hadzic Field before opening Heart of America Athletic Conference action at Clarke on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 5:00 pm at Burrows Field in Dubuque.