The Upper Iowa women's soccer team opened their 2016 season with a 2-1 victory over the Ichabods of Washburn University on Thursday afternoon at the SMSU Mustang Classic in Marshall, Minn. After a defensive battle in the first half, the Peacocks converted a pair of corner kicks into goals in the second period to jump out to a 2-0 lead. Washburn responded two minutes later with a goal, but UIU's defense held on in the final minutes to preserve the 2-1 victory. With the win, Upper Iowa starts their season 1-0 for the first time in three years, and earned their 100th win as a member of NCAA Division II.

The first 45 minutes featured solid defense from both sides, despite UIU holding a 7-3 advantage in shots. The Peacocks controlled the ball for the majority of the half, as Washburn went 29 minutes without a shot attempt. Upper Iowa had multiple opportunities to score, taking four shots in an eight-minute span, but the Ichabods held strong behind goalkeeper Kaitlin Minnich. Upper Iowa trailed 2-1 in saves in the first half, but felt good about their opportunities.

In the second period Upper Iowa took advantage of those opportunities. In the 67th minute, senior Maggie Olson converted a corner kick from Birgit Rijnders for the first goal of the season. Four minutes later, the Peacocks were on the attack again. Rijnders placed another corner kick perfectly and Brianne Fenton scored on a header to put UIU up 2-0. Fenton's goal would prove the be the game-winner.

Washburn was not done. Just two minutes later, Kelsi Smith sent a corner kick to teammate Olivia Grasso, who put the ball in the back of the net on a header to get the Ichabods back in it. All three goals in the game were scored on corners.

Upper Iowa held strong in the final 17 minutes with solid defense. Washburn had one last attempt to tie the game in the 89th minute, but Peacock goalkeeper Caila Petrie earned her third save of the second half to give UIU the win.

The Peacocks outshot their opponent 13-8, but the teams each placed 5 shots on goal. Washburn held the advantage in corners earned (4-3), but Petrie outdid her counterpart in saves (4-3).

UIU will wrap up their play at the SMSU Classic on Saturday, Sept. 3 against the Tigers of Fort Hays State University at 11 a.m. Live stats and video wil be available for the match.