The University of Minnesota Duluth's 2016 season began on a promising note as the Bulldogs secured a 1-0 victory over the University of Wisconsin-Parkside at Wood Road Soccer Field in Kenosha, Wis.
 
Sophomore midfielder Natalie St. Martin put the pressure on early for UMD (1-0-0), racking up three shots on goal over the course of the opening 40 minutes.  However, it was sophomore defender Lizzy Fontes who finally broke through with her first collegiate goal 41 minutes into the game to give UMD the first half lead. Fontes capitalized off of a corner kick to the left side of the net and was able to one-time the ball into the goal. The Bulldogs were efficient on offense as all four of their attempted shots were put on net. Junior goalkeeper Jordan Melby made three saves on her way to her fourth career shutout.

"We got some good goaltending and solid play from our back four today," said UMD head coach Greg Cane. "We also were on to a lot of second balls, which is something you always want to see."

Plenty of familiar faces were in the starting lineup as UMD fielded seven players who started more than 10 games in the 2015 season. The Bulldogs added one freshman starter in midfielder/defender Mikayla Iaquinto. Forward Emily Hinz also appeared in her first collegiate action Thursday afternoon.

"It was a great way to start a new season," said Cane, who has patrolled the Bulldog sidelines for all 23 of their seasons of intercollegiate competition. "We were the better team today, particularly defensively, and got rewarded with a win."
 
UMD will return to Duluth for their home opener against Michigan Tech University next Friday (Sept. 9), and will host the University of Northern Michigan on Sunday (Sept. 11). Both games will be played at Malosky Stadium.