MARSHALL, Minn. -- The Augustana women's soccer team (3-1-0) began conference play in winning fashion on Friday night when it defeated the Southwest Minnesota State Mustangs (2-1-0) 3-1. 

After falling behind 1-0 early in the first half, the Vikings knotted up the score in the 36th minute when senior Jensen Froehlich buried a pass, from fellow senior Claire Dahm, into the back of the net. It was the senior's first goal of the season and the Vikings went into the locker room tied 1-1.

Augustana took control of the game early in the second half with two goals in less than 90 seconds. Froehlich scored her second goal of the game in the 58th minute when her shot ricocheted in, off the post and the Mustang's goalkeeper. Senior defender Morgan Moe cashed in on the assist. 

"I was really happy for Jensen Froehlich," head coach Brandon Barkus said. "She is a senior that means a lot to our program and it was amazing seeing her take advantage of her opportunities."

Less than a minute and a half later, freshman Ally Young hit the top left corner of the net for her first-collegiate goal. Fellow freshman Josie Arduser recorded the assist on Young's goal with a perfect crossing pass.

With the Vikings leading 3-1, sophomore goalkeeper Claudia Pueschner made her best save of the night, and perhaps, the young season. The Mustangs lined up for a penalty kick and Puschner full-extension dove to her left to deny the shot. Pueschner is now 2-2 in saves on penalty kicks on the season. She previously denied Fort Hays State in the first game of the season when the score was 1-0.

After Pueschner's incredible save, the Vikings would not be challenged and clinched the victory. Augustana outshot Southwest Minnesota State 13-8 and had five different players tally points on the day. Pueschner finished with five saves.

Up Next
The Vikings take on cross-town rival Sioux Falls (0-4-0) on Sunday at 1 p.m. at the Sioux Falls Sports Complex.