AUSTIN, Texas – St. Edward's controlled every aspect of the game from the opening minutes to defeat conference-rival St. Mary's 2-0 Thursday to open Heartland Conference action.
 
It took just three minutes for the Hilltoppers to score. JENNA LIPSCOMB found ELIANNA CHAVEZ just outside the six-yard box and Chavez collected the ball and buried it into the back of the net to put SEU up 1-0.
 
The lead held up through the remainder of the first half, but the Hilltoppers were unable to add a second goal until midway through the second half despite spending most of the time in the attacking third of the field. KATHERINE WHITMAN, assisted by Lipscomb, gave SEU a little cushion with a goal in the 64^th minute.
 
The St. Edward's defense did the rest, holding St. Mary's to just four second half shots. The Hilltoppers led 12-9 in shots and 5-2 in corners on the afternoon.
 
ANNABEL SWEENEY recorded her second shutout of the season with six saves.
 
The win improves SEU to 1-2-1 on the year and 1-0 in conference play. They remain at home to host Texas A&M International on Saturday at 1 pm.