HIRAM, Ohio -- The Malone University women's soccer team opened up their 2021 championship season on Thursday night. The Pioneers traveled to Hiram College for a non-conference match with the Terriers.

Three first-half goals for Malone (1-0) proved to the difference. Hiram (0-1) was never able to recover from the early onslaught, and the Pioneers scored a 3-0 victory to open the season.

MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
In the sixth minute Madeline Ault took a pass from Amanda Kinsey and beat the Hiram keeper for the opening score of the match.

The Pioneers dominated possession, and in the eighteenth minute their attack was rewarded again. This time it was Ault with an assist to teammate Allison Schmeltzer for Malone's second goal. 

Just over three minutes later Ault found the back of the net again for her second score of the game to give the Pioneers a 3-0 advantage. 

That number would easily hold up the rest of the night. Malone's defense smothered Hiram, only allowing three shots the entire contest. Alexis Huscroft made saves on both attempts on goal to preserve the 3-0 shutout victory.

PIONEER POINTS

• Malone's offense was given ample opportunities, and they were very efficient with them. 18 of the Pioneers' 26 shots were on goal.

• Ault finished the match with five points (two goals scored and the one assist). That is the most points in a match by a Pioneer player since October 12, 2019.

WHAT'S NEXT?
Malone jumps directly into Great Midwest Athletic Conference play this weekend. The Pioneers travel to the University of Findlay on Saturday. The match is set to begin at 12:00 p.m.