LACEY, Wash. – The reigning GNAC Offensive Player of the Week, Kiersten Madsen, continued her domination of defenses, scoring two early goals to led SMU to a 2-1 home victory over Holy Names.
 
Madsen, who netted two goals and an assist last week, collected goals number three and four and first 15 minutes of the match. Holy Names (1-2-0) managed to draw the match within one with a goal in the 53rd minute; however, the Saints (3-1-0) for the 2-1 victory.
 
After being shutout earlier in the week, the Saints had a focus on attacking early and Madsen did just that. Only 2:16 into the match, Madsen, on a ball from Shea McKnight and Kylee Sarchett, connected from just outside the top of the box for her third goal of the season. 12 minutes later, Gloria Petri's set piece found Madsen's header in the middle of the box for her second goal of the day, and fourth of the year.
 
Ali Koehler and the Saints' defense limited the Hawks to only two shots in the first half and recorded a clean half.
 
Holy Names found more of an offensive tempo in the second half, leading to five shots and one hitting the back of the net. In the 53rd minute, the Hawks went near post, just past the diving hands of Koehler, for their lone goal of the match.
 
Saint Martin's managed to settle back down after the goal and keep Holy Names away from an equalizing opportunity. Fueled by the two early goals, the Saints held on for the 2-1 victory.
 
"Today was a good response by our entire team," said head coach Heather Cato. "We were proud of the opportunities we created, and starting the game off strong. It's early in the season so we still have things we need to fix or tweak, and we are trying to find how each player fits into the team dynamic still. With that said, it's a positive result and another step in the right direction for our program."
 
Amber Burbridge led the team in shots with five, followed by four for each Madsen and McKnight. Sarchett, Natalie Brown and Jolene Kvinsland each recorded three shots. Koehler finished the match with three saves on seven shots faced.
 
SMU hits the road for their next match, but stay local, taking on The Evergreen State College. The match will be played Tuesday, September 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Black Hills High School.