WINONA, Minn. — Maria Kiilunen netted her first career goal in the 70th minute of the match to draw the Northern Michigan women's soccer team within a single strike, but Winona State held on for a 2-1 victory Sunday afternoon at Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium.

The Warriors raced out to a 2-0 lead in the game's first 15 minutes on the strength of tallies by Meg Riebau and Abby Bohanska and kept the ball pinned in the Wildcat end for most of the half.

After being outshot, 8-1, in the first half, Northern Michigan responded by upping the pressure on Winona State in the second. Kiilunen's goal came minutes after a mass substitution by the Wildcats; Hollie Koning found her in front, and she sent a header past Rachel Oleson and into the back of the net. 

Northern Michigan had chances in the game's final minutes to force overtime. In the 88th minute, Madison Hamilla was able to get a look at the net, but her shot sailed wide. A minute later, the Wildcats earned a corner kick, but the Warrior defense held fast and did not allow them to get a shot off.

Paula Hafner and Lindsey Tuggle tied for the team lead with two shots apiece. Caroline Glantz and Alexandra Simmons each totaled four saves.

Overall, the Warriors held a 17-6 edge in shot. The teams were even in corner kicks at four apiece.

With the loss, the Wildcats drop to 0-2 (0-0 GLIAC) on the season. They return to action Tuesday at 2 p.m. when they host Bemidji State in their home opener.