FAYETTE, Iowa – A successful penalty kick by Melissa Greco stood as the game-winning goal Thursday evening and saw Winona State University officially usher in a new era of soccer under head coach Matt Kellogg. The Warriors went on to defeated Upper Iowa University by a score of 2-0 in their first game of the 2018 campaign.
 
Winona State was all over Upper Iowa in the first half, but the Peacocks managed to keep the Warriors off the scoreboard over the first 45 minutes of play. WSU uncorked 15 shots, including nine on target, in the first half compared to just one total shot by the Peacocks.

The second half was the difference maker as Winona's offensive pressure finally paid dividends. Greco's penalty kick found the back of the net in the 48th minute of action and less than five minutes later Georgette Topalis padded the Warrior lead at 2-0. Mariah Northrop assisted on the second and final goal of the contest.

Peacock keeper and reigning NSIC Defensive Player of the Week, Natalie Rudrud, had her hands full all day against Winona State. She did thwart a penalty kick opportunity by Abby Bohanski in the first half before yielding both goals in the second half. The Warriors totaled 23 shots in the victory and put 14 on goal.

Senior Jourdan Valkner posted her posted her fourth career shutout in net for WSU. Valkner recorded three saves in her first start since 2016 as the Warrior defense limited UIU to just five total shots.

Senior Maggie Ruelle and junior Bridget Doran each play all 90 minutes on the defensive side of the ball.

Winona State returns to action this weekend and opens its home slate on Sunday against Michigan Tech. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium.