The Hornets traveled to Aurora, Ill. on Friday to kick off the season against the Otterbein College Cardinals in the Chelsea Lloyd Memorial Classic. Kalamazoo was able to come away with the season opening win at the neutral site after a goal in the 62nd minute by Madeleine Chilcote.
Otterbein showed a small amount of promise in the first half by getting off three shots with one being on goal. After that the Cardinals were completely shut down defensively by Kalamazoo and only took one shot in the second half.
"The backline really limited Otterbein's chances and was a major reason we came out with a win today," said head coach Bryan Goyings.
The Hornets were fairly active on offense the entire game with 11 shots and six on goal. They couldn't find that elusive first goal until sophomore Madeleine Chilcote broke the tie on a strike from twelve yards out off an assist by senior Maria Rich midway through the second half.
"Maddie showed great composure on the goal and her goal was certainly deserved with her effort in the midfield," Goyings said.
Kalamazoo will have tomorrow off before taking on host team Aurora College on Sunday. The Hornets will be looking to finish the two-game tournament strong and leave Illinois with an undefeated start to the season.