The NIU women’s soccer team shut out both of its opponents last weekend to open the season 1-0-1.

The Huskies notched a 1-0 win in their opening match on Friday against IUPUI. The lone goal was scored at the 29:08 mark in the first half by junior forward Jestina Orlando.

On Sunday, the Huskies battled Iowa all the way through the end of a scoreless tie. Sophomore goalkeeper Lindsey Curnock recorded her second shutout of the weekend and ninth of her career, moving her to second all-time at NIU.

“To get a result like that against a Big Ten team shows the girls that they can compete with anyone and gets us ready for the MAC season,” said associate head coach Paul Jobson.

Sunday’s match was a very physical, defensive battle. Neither team recorded a shot until the second half, when the Huskies out-shot Iowa 7-2. Each team recorded a shot in overtime.

“It shows we can work through the last minute of overtime,” said senior defender Katie Sturges. “I’m impressed with the team’s overall effort and the never-say-die attitude.”

The Huskies put a lot of pressure on IUPUI in Friday’s match as they out-shot the Jaguars 16-4. The hard work paid off as NIU scored on a header from Orlando. A missed clear sent the ball into the air and Orlando connected to send it past goalkeeper Jamie Farrell and into the net.

“It was kind of bobbling all over and I was just there,” Orlando said. “I’m not the best header on the team, so it’s funny that I scored off of that.”

The opening weekend gives the Huskies a little momentum at the beginning of the season but also shows that there is still room for improvement, according to Jobson.

“In the beginning of the season, you want your defense to play well, and shutouts in the first two games show that it’s there,” Jobson said. “We’re still looking for more goals, but they will come.”

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