The women's soccer team (2-3) clinched their first Northern Athletics Conference victory today at home over Alverno College, shutting out the Inferno 9-0.

The Muskies came out of the gates hungry from the beginning with senior Nellie Weiss netting the first goal two minutes into the game off a rebound, and then added another in the second half. The relentless attack continued throughout the game as the team compiled a total of 31 shot attempts for the game to Alverno's two.

"We got what we needed to done," said head coach Dave Madsen. "I talked to the girls about how there are eleven conference games and this was just one of them. We knew we needed to take care of today and go from there."

Surprisingly, it was the Muskies backfield line that produced quite a bit of the scoring, as sophomore defender Maggie Short used her speed to carry her into Alverno's penalty box for the last goal of the second half.

Another goal was scored by junior Kelly Hopfinger, who is listed as a defensive player, early in the first half after senior sweeper Allyce Maus carried the ball up the field. Senior forward Ann Lehecka also contributed to the play, providing the drop pass directly leading to Hopfinger's goal for an assist. Lehecka also buried a goal of her own early in the second half.

"We're working on moving a few people around," said Madsen, commenting on the scoring efforts of his back line. "It's good to get people comfortable at other positions in case it needs to be done later on in the season as well."

Freshmen Jessica Hopfinger and Celine Elzinga also produced strong showings for the day, with Hopfinger tallying one goal and two assists and Elzinga adding one goal and one assist.

Sophomore forward Amy Christenson also contributed, providing the Muskies final goal in the 83rd minute.

Although the squad is still playing without the services of senior captain Tracy Bins, freshman Gina Weiss made her return to the field today and quickly scored the first goal of her career in the 66th minute.

"We were happy to get Gina back from her injury and feeling comfortable on the field," said Madsen. "The girls did what they needed to do. We just need to keep challenging ourselves to get better at our game and get healthy."

Next the Muskies will face the Warriors of Wisconsin Lutheran on Saturday in Milwaukee, Wis. Game time is set for 1 p.m.