Dominant Defense Leads Mountain Lions to Shutout Victory Over St. Cloud State

COLORADO SPRINGS - Josi Heer's goal in the 58th minute and a dominant defensive effort lifted the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs to a 1-0 win over the St. Cloud State Huskies Friday evening at Mountain Lion Stadium.

The Mountain Lions' defense of sweeper Lindsay Link, stopper Ashley Collins and marking backs Lauren Hall and Jessika Williams held St. Cloud State to just four shots overall. Ashley Armstrong needed to make only a single save to earn her first career save.

St. Cloud State had just one real scoring threat. A through pass led to a forward having a one-on-one situation with Armstrong. The Mountain Lions' senior keeper immediately recognized the threat, though, and charges out to smother the ball before a touch could be made.
"They only had one decent chance and our keeper stole that away from them," said UCCS coach Nichole (Rick) Ridenour. "I'm very happy with our defense; they're doing exactly what we want them to do. They're a strong group."

It was the regular season opener for UCCS. St. Cloud State fell to 1-1.

"We came pout a little anxious and jumpy but once we settled in, we dominated possession of the ball," said Ridenour. "We got a lot of good chances at goal."

After a scoreless first half, Heer notched the Mountain Lions' first goal of the season at the 57:44 mark. Jennifer Joern centered the ball from the right sideline, forcing Huskies goalkeeper Molly Bender to come off her line. Bender contacted the ball but could not clear it and Heer, a sophomore from Henniker, N.H., took advantage of the open net.

It was the first goal allowed this season by Bender, who made eight seven in the match. She shut out Southwest Minnesota State in St. Cloud State's opener.