GOLDEN, Colo. – St. Edward's senior all-American KATIE DONAHUE scored an early first-half goal and goalkeeper LORRIE SANTOY and the defense stood strong as the #22-ranked Hilltoppers defeated Colorado School of Mines, 1-0, Friday evening at Stermole Stadium.
 
In a rematch of last year's NCAA Round of 32 matchup, St. Edward's (2-0) and Colorado Mines (1-2) stood toe-to-toe on the same field for round two.
 
It was the Hilltoppers who put the pressure on the home team first. GRACEN JACKS' header in the fifth minute just went wide.
 
In the 22^nd minute, St. Edward's finally struck gold. The Hilltoppers won a free kick 25 yards from the Oredigger goal. Donahue stepped up and ripped a liner to the back of the net and beat the goalkeeper for a 1-0 St. Edward's lead.
 
For the rest of the first half it was Colorado Mines who went on the offensive. The home team would outshoot the Hilltoppers, 6-3 in the first frame.
 
In the second half, it was the Orediggers that threatened to tie the game. Colorado Mines registered 15 shots down the stretch, but of the seven on-goal, Santoy proved why she is one of the best goalkeepers in the nation with seven saves.
 
The Orediggers outshot the Hilltoppers, 21-5, but it was the stingy defense by St. Edward's that kept the lead. The visitors even played a player down for the final seven minutes after JENNIFER BOUDREAU received a red card in the 83^rd minute.
 
St. Edward's will be back in action Sunday when they travel to take on Colorado State-Pueblo. Kickoff is set for 11:00 a.m. MST at the Art & Lorraine Gonzalez Soccer Stadium. Live stats will be available on the Hilltopper Athletic Website.