Alverno College controlled possession and never trailed in a 3-1 nonconference victory over visiting North Central University (Minn.) Friday afternoon at Alverno Field.
The Inferno (2-0-0) outshot the Rams, 24-7, and controlled the ball a majority of the contest, which included a 7-0 advantage on corner kicks.
Rookie Samantha Devcich put the Inferno in front with the game's first goal in the 26th minute. Nava Moniriarani made good on Alverno's second corner kick of the game and connected with Devcich who headed the ball past the Rams' goalkeeper.
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The Rams evened the score in the 43rd minute as Marissa Dean's free kick from the right side went untouched to the back of the net. It was just the fourth shot of the half for North Central.
The tie game was short lived, however, as Moniriarani netted a goal on a free kick of her own less than a minute later, which proved to be the game winner.
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Hayley Serketich gave the inferno a two-goal cushion, as a cross by Andrea Diaz in the 85th minute put the game out of reach for the Rams (0-2-0).
Kaitlyn Gallinatti picked up her first win in goal, as the junior covered the final 77 minutes as the Inferno's goalie -- her first career appearance as goalkeeper.
Alverno completes its season-opening homestand on Tuesday versus Robert Morris University-Lake County. The nonconference tilt versus the Eagles is set for a 4 p.m. kickoff at Alverno Field.