NORTHFIELD, ILL. – Two Wildcats recorded goals to officially open the 2015 season as Northwestern defeated North Dakota, 2-0, on Friday night at New Trier High School.

Junior Addie Steiner and sophomore Maria Fayeulle both found the back of the net for Chicago’s Big Ten Team, but it was the defense that highlighted the night. Kicking the season off with a shutout, the ‘Cats held UND to just three total shots in the game.

Northwestern spent the majority of the first half pressuring North Dakota’s defense with a number of quality chances. The Wildcats’ best opportunity of the frame came in the 13th minute when fifth-year senior Niki Sebo beat out a pair of UND defenders and sent a laser down the middle. But the ball hit off the crossbar and the game remained scoreless into the break.

The Wildcats’ offense picked up momentum in the second half as Northwestern logged 15 shots in the frame. In the 79th minute of action, Steiner found an open Fayuelle who tapped in the first goal of the year to put NU on top, 1-0. Ten minutes later, a UND foul set up a free kick for junior Maria Grygleski. Her shot pinged off the post where Steiner was on hand to flick in another goal and extend Northwestern’s lead.

North Dakota was unable to scrap up another shot for the remainder of the game and the #B1GCats ran away with a season-opening victory.

Sophomore goalkeeper Lauren Clem made three saves en route to her 10th career shutout.

The Wildcats host Valparaiso on Sunday, Aug. 23, at Evanston Township High School. Kick off is set for 1 p.m., and tickets will be available for purchase at the gate.

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