Entering today's 2015 home opener, Coach Steve Shelton and the Women's soccer team were aiming to remain unbeaten on Cardinal Field. The Cardinals defended the turf and would not let the heat slow them down as they beat Rochester 3-0. With the win over Rochester, the Cardinals improved their overall record to 8-0-1 on Cardinal Field.

Sophomore forward, Julia Palushaj (Northville, MI) quickly returned to her attacking strengths and netted the first goal of the season in the 28'. Freshman Forward, Janaya Lothian (Hamilton, Ont) shielded off a Rochester defender and provided Palushaj with the assist. After the first goal, the Cardinals quickly found rhythm and put consistent pressure on the Rochester defense. Several near misses to end the first half kept the Cardinals on top 1-0.

Cardinal Field saw temperatures reach over 100 degrees at halftime and while both teams tried to cool off, the Cardinals style of play could not be chilled. Eight minutes into the second half, Sophomore Forward, Heather Emke (South Lyon, MI) punched a Matea Smith (Southfield, MI) cross kick into the goal after receiving a nicely played ball by Junior Midfielder, Lora Palushaj (South Lyon). The Cardinals dominated the ball for large portions of the second half and managed ten shots on goal. Freshman Forward, Nina Palushaj (South Lyon, MI), was responsible for the last goal of the game, but the first of her career, after an impressive unassisted shot from twenty-five yards away.

The Cardinals will look to fine tune some areas with training the next few days before heading to West Palm Beach on Wednesday. The Cardinals will face Keiser University (formerly Northwood) who finished last season ranked #4 in the NAIA poll.