Humes, Perez score in season-opening win at NWC

ORANGE CITY, Iowa -- Lily Humes and Aileen Perez each found the back of the net as the Bellevue University women's soccer team downed Northwestern College 2-0 on Saturday evening from the NWC Soccer Complex in the season-opener for both sides.

The Bruins win their season-opener for the second-straight season and improve to 6-1-0 in season-openers under coach Tom White. The victory also sees BU extend their all-time mark against the Red Raiders, improving to 12-3-1 in 16 match-ups all-time dating back to 1995.

Though neither team was able to register a shot until the 16-minute mark, Bellevue spent much of the first 15 minutes pressing forward with the ball in their possession. After a throw-in, Mia Hurt sent in a long cross to Lily Humes on the back post in the middle of the box. Humes settled the pass, and slotted home the first BU goal of the season for a 1-0 lead.

Northwestern had an opportunity to equalize in the 22^nd minute. Aliza Edwards found herself in behind the defense with BU keeper Abril Cura coming out to meet her outside the box. A mini collision ensued and Edwards was able to get a shot off but it curled wide before rolling over the endline.

The Bruins won a 27^th minute free kick in a dangerous area. Katrina Avila stood over the ball and uncorked a rifling shot that careened off the post, narrowly missing extending the advantage.

Bellevue put two more shots on frame before half but were unable to build upon their lead, settling to take their 1-0 lead into the break as they out-shot the Red Raiders 7-1 in the opening 45 minutes.

The early moments of the second half saw the Bruins continuing to press forward, looking to extend their margin.

Bellevue finally found their second goal in the 69^th minute. Sam Mausbach delivered a cross from the endline to the back post for Aileen Perez who headed him the goal to double the Bruin lead to 2-0.

Northwestern rarely threatened down the stretch as Bellevue maintained their advantage and secured the 2-0 season-opening victory.

Abril Cura was not tasked with making a save in her first collegiate shutout. Bailey Bynum totaled three stops in goal for Northwestern in the loss.

The Bruins out-shot NWC 16-3 for the match, 6-1 on goal, and ran up a 3-0 edge in corners on the evening.

Bellevue returns to the pitch on Saturday, Aug. 30 for a 3 p.m. match in Mitchell, S.D. against Dakota Wesleyan University from the Pepsi-Cola Soccer Complex.