The Lady Cougars (2-2) wasted little time getting on the scoreboard when Brandolini (left) gave MVNU a 1-0 lead with just 3:34 gone by in the match. She took a pass from junior midfielder Page Miller, put a move on a Lady Pioneer defender, and ripped a shot into the upper right corner of the net for her second goal of the season.

The score remained that way until the 38th minute when the Lady Cougars received a penalty kick opportunity after Miller was taken down in the box after slipping past the Malone defense. Brandolini converted the penalty kick for a 2-0 lead and her third goal of the year. It was also the 59th goal of her career as she moved into second place on MVNU’s career list and passed former Lady Cougar standout Kristen Votapek, who scored 58 goals.

Neither team scored again despite numerous opportunities for MVNU, which out-shot the Lady Pioneers 23-4 for the match and 14-2 in the second half alone. Freshman goalkeeper Jenessa Loewen registered one save for the Lady Cougars as she posted her first collegiate shutout, while Sam Brown and Merisa Salazar combined for eight saves in goal for Malone (0-2).

“I was pleased with our effort today,” said MVNU head coach Jonathan Meade. “I thought we did a lot of nice things, and we were able to get all of our field players into the match. We were more organized in the back, and Jenessa continues to improve in goal for us. We need to continue to build on the positive things that we are doing.”

“Kristy has gotten off to a quick start for us,” added Meade, referring to Brandolini, his two-time NAIA Honorable Mention All-American who leads the team with three goals and one assist. “Several other players were really close to scoring today and we are working hard up front to make things happen.”

The Lady Cougars will return to action on Saturday when MVNU will travel to Grace (Ind.) College for a non-conference match that will kick off at 1:00 p.m. local time.