The College of Saint Benedict Blazers (0-0 MIAC, 1-0) defeated the Nebraska-Wesleyan Prairie Dogs (0-0 GPAC, 0-1) with a score of 2-1, despite the overwhelming heat on Saturday, August 30, in St. Joseph, Minn. The Blazers opened their season at home, giving their fans an exciting game to watch in the beautiful August sun.

The Blazers, ranked 2nd in the 2008 MIAC preseason coaches' poll, proved that they were worthy of their elite seed. Regardless of an early one goal lead by the Prairie Dogs, the Blazers stepped up their defensive game and went on to leave them scoreless from 27:10 in the first and on.  

The Blazers got on the board 24:02 into the second half, with a goal by senior Leah Schleppergrell (Hibbing, Minn.), assisted beautifully from first-year Sami Meyman (Inver Grove Heights, Minn.). They continued to play excellent offense, outshooting the Prairie Dogs 9-0 in the second half.   The Blazers' second goal came at the 78:05 mark, when senior Maria Conroy (Monticello, Minn.) scored for the win. Conroy was assisted by senior Allyson Draxler (Plymouth, Minn.) and Alison Tourville (Plymouth, Minn.). 

The Blazers will take on Whitman College in Pomona-Pitzer on Saturday, September 6,at 2:30 p.m.