Pioneers drop home opener to Madonna (Mich.) in women's soccer

PITTSBURGH -- Point Park University women's soccer was dealt a 3-0 setback to visiting Madonna (Mich.) University on Saturday at Highmark Stadium. The Pioneers are now 1-1 on the year after the NAIA non-conference matchup.

Madonna (1-0) got a break when it was awarded a penalty kick midway through the first half of a scoreless game. Karina Arnold put it in at the 25th minute, and the Crusaders took that 1-0 lead into the halftime locker room. 

Madonna built on that lead early in the second half with a couple of goals. Sara Castillo scored the first of those with Holly McManus providing the cross for the assist. McManus scored the next goal with Kate Giblin assisting. 

There were not a lot of shots to go around with Point Park mounting eight and Madonna six. The Pioneers had three on goal with Madonna four. 

Saturday's matchup was a meeting of teams predicted near the top of their respective conferences. Point Park is predicted second in the River States Conference with Madonna chosen third in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference. 

Point Park will be on the road for its next game, a trip to NAIA opponent St. Xavier (Ill.) on Thursday, Aug. 31. The next home game is Sept. 6 versus Walsh (Ohio).