MILWAUKEE - Krissy Dorre scored twice, Kelsey Holbert also found the back of the net and Paige Lincicum made seven saves as the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee women's soccer team kicked off Horizon League play with a 3-2 win over Valparaiso University Saturday night in front of 387 at Engelmann Stadium.

Milwaukee (3-7-1, 1-0-0 HL) scored three goals on a Valparaiso (6-4-1, 0-1-0 HL) defense that had conceded only five goals in 10 games all season. VU keeper Kristen Manski came into the game with a 0.48 goals-against average, one of the top marks in the country.

But the Panther attack was too much on Saturday, registering 13 shots and scoring multiple goals in a match for the fifth time this season.

"We feel really good about tonight," Milwaukee head coach Greg Henschel said. "I'm proud of the team. I think the team is proud of their effort, as well, and we put a good match together tonight.

"She (Kristen Manski) is a fantastic keeper. Last year when we played Valparaiso she stood on her head and kept us to only one goal and she played fantastic again tonight. I was proud of the team for creating the chances we created and I think the result we got tonight was well deserved against a quality opponent in Valparaiso."

Valparaiso struck first on Heiley Chmela's second goal of the season. Chmela collected the ball on the right wing, made a move and lofted a ball toward goal that floated just over Lincicum's head to give VU an early 1-0 lead in the 27th minute.

The Panthers answered right back less than two minutes later on a blast from junior Kelsey Holbert. Krissy Dorre sent a centering pass from the right corner that was deflected to the top of the box where Holbert was waiting and fired. The ball took a deflection but had plenty of pace on it and found the back of the net to draw the game level at 1-1.

Dorre then put the Panthers ahead just before the half, taking a long pass from Callie O'Donnell and one-timing it far post past Valpo's Kristen Manski.

Dorre struck again midway through the second half. Maria Stephans dribbled up the field and found Dorre open just outside the box. The junior turned with the ball, took a touch and blasted the ball past the diving keeper for what proved to be the game-winner.

Although Valparaiso scored again on a rebound inside the box with just over 10 minutes to play, the Milwaukee defense held strong as Lincicum tallied six saves with her defense recording a save, as well.

"Our back line played well tonight," Henschel said. "I was proud of how they communicated with each other throughout the match and the way they managed the match tonight. Credit to Valparaiso for getting into those positions to score two quality goals and we'll work to hopefully improve in those areas, as well."

The Panthers now have a week to prepare for their next match, a home contest against Detroit. UWM will square off against the Titans Saturday, Oct. 5 at 4 p.m. from Engelmann Stadium.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

ECNL Girls N. Atlantic Players to Watch

Women's NCAA Tournament Round Two Preview

Best of Men's College Soccer Week 13