WARRIORS ACHIEVE 2-0 VICTORY AT MADONNA

LIVONIA, Mich. - The Warriors (3-5-5, 3-3-2) earned a critical 2-0 win over the Madonna Crusaders (5-6-2, 3-3-1) on Wednesday afternoon following two first-half goals from Jenna Schodowski and Olivia Howes. Goalkeeper Sabrina Kiryakoza recorded her third career clean sheet, saving five shots for Rochester Christian. 

THE RUNDOWN

FIRST HALF

• The Warriors were aggressive out the gate, with Schodowski's goal coming just six minutes into the contest off a rebounded shot taken by defender Kennedy Fraser. RCU kept its foot on the gas, taking on a shot on goal by freshman Aliana Perez, who had a strong chance. Kiryakoza's first save came in the 22nd minute, helping set the tone for the Warriors' defense
• RCU continued to attack and was rewarded in the 33rd minute with a goal by Howes, thanks to a pass from fellow attacker Mya Freeland. The Warriors had a close call just minutes before the halftime buzzer when Crusader Angelina Moracinni hit the crossbar on a shot attempt. RCU headed into halftime up two goals

SECOND HALF

• Kiryakoza continued with a save three minutes into the half, and RCU had a solid opportunity to extend the lead to three goals thanks to Howes and Fraser. However, a save and a crossbar strike kept the Warriors at a two-goal advantage. Shortly after those attempts, Kiryakoza made a leaping one-handed save off a shot by Madonna's Caroline Kopp, which looked Odell Beckham-esque
• Defender Samantha Johns contributed to the Warriors' attack with two shots on goal in quick succession in the 70th minute. RCU kept up the pressure as time winded down, allowing only a single shot by the Crusaders in the game's final 23 minutes, which Kiryakoza saved

STAT OF THE GAME

The Warriors' win over Madonna is the first ever by the program in a matchup beginning in 2002. 

UP NEXT

The Warriors return home on Tuesday to face Grace Christian (Mich.) on Tuesday, Oct. 15. 

Hussein Murray - RCU Athletic Communications

Featured Image: Hanna Swanson