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Wheaton, Ill. – The Thunder women's soccer team opened its season under hot and humid conditions on Friday afternoon with a 3-1 victory against Loras College in the opening night of the Bob Baptista Invitational. Wheaton is ranked seventh in preseason NSCAA Division III coaches poll, while Loras is ranked eighth in the same poll.

Loras took an early 1-0 lead in tonight's match when a corner kick for the Duhawks setup a Madeline Tennant goal at the edge of the net, just 8:07 into the match. Wheaton tied the match at 1-1 when Keri Shannon collected a deflection off of Loras goalkeeper Michelle Vonachen at the 15:43 mark of the match. Sophomore Amanda Brait and freshman Sarah Guidera assisted on Shannon's goal. Wheaton took a 2-1 lead 10 minutes later when Val Lelle scored on a Kaitlyn Le Baudour assist at the 25:12 mark.

A breakaway goal by All-American Jaime Orewiler in the 85th minute extended Wheaton's lead to 3-1, securing the lead for the hosts.

Wheaton out-shot the Duhawks 14-8 in the match and the Thunder held a 12-6 edge in corner kicks. Vonachen made three saves and allowed all three Thunder goals in 90 minutes of action. Wheaton junior netminder Hilary Barreto made two saves and allowed one goal in 67 minutes of action in goal. Freshman goalkeeper Kelsey Graham made her collegiate debut in the final 23 minutes of the match, making one save.

Loras will face DePauw University at 11:30 AM on Saturday to open the second day of the Baptista Invitational. Wheaton will face Wisconsin-Eau Claire at 4:30 PM on Saturday. Wisconsin-Eau Claire defeated DePauw, 4-0 in Friday's opening match.