La Crosse, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse soccer team, ranked 13th on the United Soccer Coaches Preseason Poll in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III, opened its 2023 season with a 1-0 victory over The College of Saint Benedict (Minn.) Friday afternoon at Veterans Memorial Field Sports Complex. The Bennies were also playing their season opener.

The game was scoreless until UWL's Hayley Slaski scored at 37:08 with a Lindsey Szymanski assist. The Eagles outshoot the Bennies, 11-4, in the first half.

UWL totaled 14 shots in the second half while holding Saint Benedict (Minn.) to one. 

UWL finished with 25 shots in the game, including nine on goal. Ainsley Allan recorded four shots while Slaski, Alexis McMahon, Kaitlyn Kurtz and Aubree Caya with three each. Nine different players recorded a shot on goal. 

Saint Benedict (Minn.) was held to five shots, two coming on goal. 

Sophia Anger recorded the shutout for UWL, finishing with two saves. Annie Waters recorded eight saves for Saint Benedict (Minn.). 

UWL returns to action Sunday, September 3 at the University of Dubuque (Iowa) at 11 a.m.