SIOUX FALLS – The University of Sioux Falls Soccer Team (1-3 1-1 NSIC) notched their first victory of the season, 2-0 tonight in NSIC play against Winona State (1-2, 0-1 NSIC).

The first half was a closely contested match and remained scoreless with six shots for the Cougars and seven for the Warriors.

As the second half got underway, it was in the 51^st minute when Aundria Vargas struck first to put USF up, 1-0, with USF first goal of the season The Cougars conrinued to stop WSU on defense and took a 2-0 lead in the 65^th minute on the foot of freshman Hannah Welch. It was the first goal of Hannah Welch's career.

The Cougars ended with a seaon-high 10 shots on the day and included Aundria Vargas (3), Hannah Welch (2), Abby Whittington (2), and s shot a piece for Julia Kreutner, Sarah Miller, and Kassidy Graber. On the defensive side of the ball, it was the first shutout of the season for the Cougars where Alexis Wemhoff saved 12 shots on the day.

"I am really proud of the work the girls put in tonight. It was great to see things start to come together and the team respond to the adjustments we have been making. It feels good to start conference off with a win and now we will focus on Sunday's game against Upper Iowa," said USF Head Coach Brittany Domino.

The Cougars will look to build on their shutout performance when they meet Upper Iowa on the road, Sunday at 12 p.m.