Chicago – The Kalamazoo College women's soccer team completed its second successful road trip to the Windy City in four days, defeating North Park University 3-1 Tuesday night at Holmgren Athletic Complex.
The Hornets (6-1), who won at Illinois Tech on Sunday, got off to a fast start when Kai Ketola scored just 46 seconds into the game. A Sophia Timm-Blow pass was smartly tapped by Cassidy Short to a streaking Ketola down the left side. Ketola's shot beat a diving North Park keeper into the right side of the goal.
Savera Rajendra-Nicolucci scored the eventual game-winner just 16 minutes later with a strong boot from 25 yards out. Rajendra-Niccolucci's second goal of the season cleared a leaping Vikings keeper and found the upper-left side of the goal.
"I was really proud of our start tonight," said K head coach Bryan Goyings. "The women were ready to play and for Kai to get a goal in the first minute really put us in a great position.
"In addition, both Anna Murphy and Savera were fantastic. Savera had a phenomenal goal and Anna's ability to connect passes was excellent."
Ketola tallied her second goal of the night, and fourth of the season, when she cleaned up a rebound off a Destiny Garcia shot in the 35th minute.
Lexi Nesbitt registered eight saves in the win, while Ketola led the way for Kalamazoo with seven shots.
"The women posted a strong non-conference record, but as we look towards MIAA play, it is imperative we remind ourselves that everyone's record entering the league is 0-0," said Goyings. "We will prepare accordingly."
The Hornets will open MIAA play on Tuesday the 28th, with a 7 p.m. contest at Albion.