ST. JOSEPH, Minn. -- The College of Saint Benedict soccer team (1-5 overall) kicks off MIAC play this week with a home matchup against St. Scholastica (2-3-1) at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17. The conference opener marks the beginning of a three-game homestand for the Bennies.

Bennies Return Home After Busy Non-Conference Stretch
Saint Benedict returns to action after a challenging non-conference schedule. Last weekend, the Bennies picked up a 1-0 road win over UW-Eau Claire on Sept. 13, thanks to a goal from first-year Elly Prairie — the first of her collegiate career. The following day, CSB fell 2-1 to UW-Oshkosh despite a strong showing and a goal from senior Addison Stephani, her first of the season and fifth overall. Regan Melz recorded the assist.

Earlier this month, CSB hosted nationally-ranked Emory (No. 5) and fell 4-0, while also dropping a 2-1 match to Wartburg.

Defensive Standout: Rhianna Anya
Junior goalkeeper Rhianna Anya was named MIAC Defensive Player of the Week and CSB Athlete of the Week after a standout weekend. The Bloomington, Minn. native recorded a five-save shutout against UW-Eau Claire and followed it up with four saves against UW-Oshkosh. Over her last 135 minutes in net, Anya has made 16 saves and allowed just one goal. On the season, she has 22 total saves, a .846 save percentage, and a 2.00 goals against average in four starts.

Scouting the Opponent: St. Scholastica
Led by veteran head coach Dave Reyelts (301-176-44), now in his 25th season, the Saints enter the matchup with a 3-2-1 overall record. St. Scholastica has recorded back-to-back 4-0 wins over Bethany Lutheran and Crown College. Offensively, they're averaging 1.50 goals per game while limiting opponents to just 0.67.

Mariah Hernesman leads the team with three goals, while Kaitlyn Sautter has provided a team-high three assists. The Saints opened their season with a draw against Loras College on Aug. 29.

Series History
Saint Benedict holds a perfect 6-0-0 record against St. Scholastica, including a 4-0 mark at home. The Bennies won the most recent matchup, 5-2, on Oct. 22, 2024.

What's Next
Following Wednesday's matchup, the Bennies continue their homestand with a MIAC showdown against Bethel at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, before stepping out of conference play to host UW-Stout on Sunday, Sept. 21, also at 3:30 p.m.

Kimble leads the Bennies
Head Coach Steve Kimble enters his 17th season at the helm for Saint Benedict with a 155-95-35 career record. Under his leadership, CSB has earned 11 MIAC Playoff appearances, 13 winning seasons, and 10 top-four conference finishes — including a third-place showing in 2023.